What integrated care means from an older person's perspective? A scoping review protocol

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Health Services Research
• Public Health

Background:

• Aging populations face increased risks of disabilities and morbidities.
• Multimorbidity management in older adults can be improved through integrated care.
• Current integrated care models often lack patient perspectives, hindering effective implementation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically map the existing literature on older patients' views, expectations, and experiences of integrated care.
• To identify facilitators and barriers to integrated care from the perspective of older individuals.
• To inform the development of person-centred integrated care approaches.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive scoping review of multiple electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, etc.).
• Systematic search conducted between August and December 2017, including reference list screening.
• Data extraction using appropriate qualitative and quantitative methods by two experienced researchers.

Main Results:

• The review will synthesize findings on patient views and expectations regarding integrated care.
• Anticipated identification of key facilitators and barriers from an older person's viewpoint.
• The synthesis will provide insights into the lived experiences of older adults with integrated care.

Conclusions:

• Understanding patient perspectives is vital for designing effective integrated care.
• Findings will guide stakeholders in developing and evaluating tailored, person-centred care models.
• This research emphasizes the need to incorporate older adults' voices in healthcare system improvements.