The experience of hospitalized elderly patients

Little is known about the subjective experience of older adults during hospitalization. The purpose of this study was to identify and describe the hospitalization process as perceived by older adults. This qualitative study explored hospitalization as perceived by eight White, middle-class, elderly patients in one large, western, acute care hospital. Thirty initial codes were identified from qualitative interviews, participant observation, and medical records. Using constant comparative analyses, these initial codes were reevaluated and further condensed into seven categories. The categories comprise positive and negative perceptions, including numerous difficulties experienced by these hospitalized older patients. Findings of this study are compared to findings existing in the current literature. These findings may be useful in understanding the problems related to the hospitalization experience, identifying interventions that could minimize stressors, and facilitating this experience for older patients.