Older patients' perception of engagement in functional self-care during hospitalization: A qualitative study

Participation in functional self-care can delay functional decline during older adults' hospitalization.

To explore facilitators and barriers to older adults' participation in self-care during hospitalization, in an Asian setting.

Qualitative descriptive study using in-depth interviews, in a Singaporean hospital. Older adults were recruited using purposive sampling. Interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis was used.

Data saturation was reached with 17 participants. Three themes were identified: patient factors, healthcare provision and hospital environment. Facilitators included: patients' positive mindset, nurses' encouragement, and age-friendly environment. Barriers included: patients' and nurses' attitudes towards functional self-care, patients' and nurses' fear of inpatient falls, healthcare-imposed restrictions. Patients' notion of a 'good patient' can either facilitate or hinder their self-care engagement.

This study offers insights from older adults in an Asian hospital setting. The findings can be used to develop strategies, care models, and facilities to promote functional self-care during hospitalization.