Shared Decision-Making in Medications for Elderly Patients with Multi-Morbidities: A Phenomenological Study

Area of Science:

• Geriatric Medicine
• Patient-Centered Care
• Health Services Research

Background:

• Elderly patients often have multiple chronic conditions (multi-morbidities), complicating medication management and decision-making.
• Effective participation in medication decisions is vital for adherence and health outcomes in this population.
• Understanding the perspectives of patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals is essential for improving shared decision-making.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the willingness, needs, and influencing factors for elderly patients with multi-morbidities to participate in medication decision-making.
• To identify barriers and facilitators to shared decision-making in geriatric polypharmacy.
• To inform strategies for enhancing patient engagement in treatment plans.

Main Methods:

• Phenomenological research employing semi-structured interviews.
• Purposive sampling of elderly patients with multi-morbidities, their caregivers, and healthcare professionals.
• Colaizzi 7-step analysis for theme refinement from interview data.

Main Results:

• Identified discrepancies between willingness and reality in patient participation.
• Highlighted a lack of guidelines and support systems in multi-morbidity management.
• Revealed influencing factors including power structures, information exchange, and healthcare worker awareness of shared decision-making.

Conclusions:

• Elderly patients with multi-morbidities encounter significant impediments in medication decision-making.
• Healthcare professionals need enhanced awareness and skills in shared decision-making.
• Targeted support and improved information exchange are necessary to promote shared decision-making in this demographic.