Communication Strategies to Improve Preventive Services for Elderly Patients
Author Information
Author(s): Lasser Karen E, Kelly Bridget, Maier Jan, Murillo Jennifer, Hoover Sonia, Isenberg Karen, Osber Deborah, Pilkauskas Natasha, Willis Bayo C, Hersey James
Primary Institution: Cambridge Health Alliance and Harvard Medical School
Hypothesis
How do patient-provider communications affect the receipt of preventive services among elderly patients?
Conclusion
Effective communication strategies can enhance acceptance of flu vaccinations and colorectal cancer screenings among elderly patients.
Supporting Evidence
- PCPs used patient-centered communication strategies to improve acceptance of preventive services.
- Trust between patients and PCPs was high, facilitating discussions about vaccinations.
- PCPs revisited topics multiple times during visits to encourage patient participation.
Takeaway
Doctors can help older patients get their flu shots and cancer screenings by talking to them in a friendly way and making them feel comfortable.
Methodology
The study involved observing and audiotaping encounters between primary care providers and elderly patients at community health centers.
Potential Biases
The presence of observers may have influenced the behavior of both patients and providers.
Limitations
The study observed a small number of encounters and may not represent all patients or providers in community health centers.
Participant Demographics
{"mean_age":71.9,"gender_distribution":{"female_percentage":77.8},"race_distribution":{"white_percentage":22.2,"black_percentage":16.7,"mixed_percentage":27.8,"other_percentage":33.3,"hispanic_percentage":72.2},"insurance_distribution":{"medicare_percentage":77.8,"medicaid_percentage":16.7,"free_care_percentage":5.5},"language_distribution":{"english_percentage":27.8,"spanish_percentage":72.2},"education_distribution":{"less_than_high_school_percentage":66.7,"high_school_diploma_percentage":11.1,"some_higher_education_percentage":22.2},"annual_income_distribution":{"less_than_10000_percentage":44.4,"10000_to_14999_percentage":5.6,"15000_to_19999_percentage":16.7,"20000_to_24999_percentage":11.1}}
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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