Abstract
Backround: Internationally, standards exist for assessing healthcare quality, providing organisations with indicators to enhance quality of care (QoC). From the perspective of older adults, the quality of geriatric rehabilitation is significantly influenced by interpersonal dynamics and organisational factors. However, it is unclear priorities are unknown. Through group discussions, we aim to prioritise key topics relevant for the quality of geriatric rehabilitation from the perspective of the older adult.
Approach: The nominal group technique methodology was conducted according the following stages: introduction, idea generation, exchange of ideas, discussion, and ordering and ranking. Thematic analysis was employed to analyse the qualitative data, and the prioritisation of themes was determined based on ranking by older adults after the group discussion. The priorities from the four sessions have been combined.
Results: Four nominal group technique interviews were conducted at four different geriatric rehabilitation centers in the Netherlands, involving a total of 22 participants. The consolidation of prioritisation from the four groups has resulted in the following top four quality interests of older adults. (1) Effective preparation and organization of rehabilitation. (2) Autonomy in decision-making regarding involvement in treatment discussions. (3) Effective communication, interpersonal interaction, clarity, and respect. (4) Establishing rapport with healthcare personnel and being treated as individuals were also emphasized. The thematic analysis highlights the importance of a personalised approach and seeing the individual, and more specifically, the importance of permanent staff.
Implications: Older adults prioritise the following key areas essential for QOC: expertise of the HCP and good organisation of the rehabilitation, knowing the older adults and familiar HCPs.