What Matters Most: A Qualitative Study Exploring Common Values Identified by Hospitalized Older Adults

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Health Services Research
• Patient-Centered Care

Background:

• The Age-Friendly Health System (AFHS) framework, utilizing the "4 Ms" (Matters Most, Medication, Mentation, Mobility), guides evidence-based care for older adults.
• Assessing patient values and preferences through the "Matters Most" component is crucial for personalizing hospitalization care and aligning it with patient priorities.
• Understanding hospitalized older adults' values is key to enhancing care quality, improving health outcomes, and increasing patient satisfaction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify and describe the core themes of "What Matters Most" to older adults during hospitalization.
• To provide insights into patient-centered priorities for geriatric care.

Main Methods:

• A qualitative descriptive study was conducted with 70 hospitalized older adults.
• Data were collected using five questions exploring patient preferences for their current hospitalization.
• Reflexive thematic analysis was employed to identify recurring themes.

Main Results:

• Four primary themes emerged: mobility and independence, communication, respect, and shared decision-making.
• Additional themes included quality of life and treatment preferences, and family relationships and support.
• These findings highlight key areas for individualized care planning.

Conclusions:

• Hospitalized older adults prioritize aspects of care related to autonomy, communication, dignity, and personal values.
• Incorporating these "What Matters Most" themes into care delivery can significantly enhance the patient experience and care alignment.
• This research supports the integration of patient values into Age-Friendly Health Systems.