Barriers to participation in Iran's Integrated Geriatric Care Program: A qualitative study

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Public Health
• Healthcare Management

Background:

• Many older adults face unmet healthcare and social service needs.
• Effective planning can transform these challenges into opportunities for improved care.
• This study focuses on identifying participation barriers in Iran's Integrated Geriatric Care Program (IGCP).

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify barriers hindering older adults' participation in Iran's Integrated Geriatric Care Program (IGCP).

Main Methods:

• A qualitative conventional content analysis was performed in Yazd City, Iran (January-March 2023).
• Purposive sampling with maximum variation included 19 participants (older adults and healthcare providers).
• Data were gathered through semi-structured in-depth interviews and analyzed concurrently.

Main Results:

• The study involved 9 older adults (mean age 71.33±5.75) and 10 healthcare providers (mean age 38.2±9.16).
• Data analysis revealed two primary categories with ten sub-categories.
• These categories were "personal challenges of older adults" and "structural defects of Integrated Geriatric Care Program".

Conclusions:

• Personal and structural factors limit community-dwelling older adults' engagement in the Iranian IGCP.
• Findings offer insights for health policymakers and practitioners to enhance geriatric healthcare services.
• The study highlights the need for improvements in developing communities' healthcare systems for the elderly.