Older orthopaedic patients' perceptions of individualised care: a comparative survey

To describe and compare the individualised care perceptions of older orthopaedic patients' and patients of working age.

Age has been found to influence perceptions of care and although individualised care is highlighted in the literature, it is seldom studied from an older person's perspective.

Descriptive and comparative.

Data were collected using the Individualised Care Scale from orthopaedic patients (n = 420, response rate 84%). The participants were divided into two groups: those 65 and over (n = 149) and those under 65 and working (n = 271). Data analysis used descriptive and inferential statistics.

Patients expressed a desire for individualised care, and gave relatively good evaluations about the perceived support for their individuality and the realisation of individualised care. Differences in the perceptions of individualised care were found between, but not within, the two groups. The older patients were more positive in their evaluations.

There is a need for programmes of individualised care that are age-adjusted.

As the older population rises worldwide individualised care becomes more important in the care of older people. These findings provide baseline data for the development of individualised nursing care from the patients' perspective.