A Qualitative Research On The Challenges Of Family Physicians In Interviewing Older Patients

Objective: Older patient health is becoming more important according to aging population. Family physicians undertake important duties in older patient health. This study aims to explore experiences/difficulties of family physician’s about managing older patients.
Method: This qualitative study used semi-structured three focus group interviews with 22 family physicians. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and main themes were derived using thematic analysis.
Results: Five themes reported: (1) older patient assessment, (2) importance of primary care, (3) patient-related factors, (4) the physician's remedies and (5) the physician's feelings.
Conclusion: Family physicians have positive or negative facts during interviews with older patients. Effective communication, backdrop both physically and emotionally is important when consulting. Gaps in this field can be filled by offering post-graduation training.

研究目标：随着人口老龄化进程加快，老年患者健康的重要性日益凸显。家庭医生在老年患者健康管理中肩负重要职责。本研究旨在探索家庭医生在管理老年患者过程中的实践体验与面临的困难。
研究方法：本项质性研究（qualitative study）采用半结构化焦点小组访谈法（focus group interviews），共邀请22名家庭医生参与3组访谈。所有访谈均进行录音与转录，并通过主题分析法（thematic analysis）提炼核心主题。
研究结果：最终提炼出五大核心主题：(1) 老年患者评估；(2) 初级照护的重要性；(3) 患者相关因素；(4) 医生的应对举措；(5) 医生的主观感受。
研究结论：家庭医生在与老年患者的诊疗互动过程中，会产生正向或负向的体验。问诊阶段，有效的沟通以及物理与心理层面的良好环境均至关重要。该领域现存的培养缺口，可通过提供毕业后培训项目予以填补。