The Shared Decision Making of Older Adults in Healthcare

The research question for this paper was: what are older adults' experiences of shared decision-making in a healthcare setting? This involved: Exploring older adults' experiences and opinions of decision-making in a healthcare setting;Understanding what shared decision-making means to older adults.

A qualitative study using face-to-face, semi-structured interviews with adults over 65 years. Thematic analysis was used.

Eight adults with a mean age of 76 years.

Three broad themes were identified which ascribed roles to individuals involved in decision making. This includes the way in which older adults felt they should be involved actively: by asking questions and knowing their own body. The doctors' role was described as assistive by facilitating discussion, giving options and advice. The role of the family was also explored; older adults felt the family could impact on their decisions in both a direct and indirect way. There was some confusion about what constituted a decision.

Older adults described what having an active role in decision making meant for them, but expected an assistive role from clinicians. They see their family as having an important role.

This was a small qualitative study in one market town in England.

Clinicians should facilitate the involvement of older adults in shared decision making and consider how they can increase awareness of this. They should also involve the family in decision making.

There are limited studies which look at this issue in depth.