Chinese Elders' views on their interactions in general practice: a Grounded Theory study

Area of Science:

• Primary Care Research
• Health Services Research
• Sociology of Health and Illness

Background:

• Limited evidence exists on the health service experiences of the UK's Chinese ethnic population.
• Understanding Chinese Elders' interactions with General Practitioners (GPs) is crucial for improving their health outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore Chinese Elders' experiences and attitudes towards primary care services in the UK.
• To identify factors influencing health service utilization and patient-provider interactions.

Main Methods:

• Grounded Theory approach utilizing open-ended, in-depth interviews.
• Purposive and theoretical sampling of 33 Chinese Elders in North West England.
• Rigorous analysis of translated interview transcripts by the research team.

Main Results:

• Chinese Elders present to GPs only for serious, unmanageable health issues.
• Self-management strategies are preferred over professional advice due to communication difficulties and differing interpretations.
• Elders primarily seek medication, expecting a cure and subsequent self-management.

Conclusions:

• Significant misunderstandings exist between Chinese Elders and GPs, impacting satisfaction with UK healthcare.
• Cultural perceptions of health and illness, alongside GP assumptions, shape these interactions.
• Findings offer valuable insights for GPs and healthcare providers globally serving aging Chinese populations.