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Weir KR, Naganathan V, Carter SM, Tam CWM, McCaffery K, Bonner C, Rigby D, McLachlan AJ, Jansen J. The role of older patients' goals in GP decision-making about medicines: a qualitative study. BMC Fam Pract 2021; 22:13. [PMID: 33419389 PMCID: PMC7796626 DOI: 10.1186/s12875-020-01347-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To optimise medication use in older people, it is recommended that clinicians evaluate evidence on potential benefits and harms of medicines in light of the patients' overall health, values and goals. This suggests general practitioners (GPs) should attempt to facilitate patient involvement in decision-making. In practice this is often challenging. In this qualitative study, we explored GPs' perspectives on the importance of discussing patients' goals and preferences, and the role patient preferences play in medicines management and prioritisation. METHODS Semi-structured interviews were conducted with GPs from Australia (n = 32). Participants were purposively sampled to recruit GPs with variation in experience level and geographic location. Transcribed audio-recordings of interviews were coded using Framework Analysis. RESULTS The results showed that most GPs recognised some value in understanding older patients' goals and preferences regarding their medicines. Most reported some discussions of goals and preferences with patients, but often this was initiated by the patient. Practical barriers were reported such as limited time during busy consultations to discuss issues beyond acute problems. GPs differed on the following main themes: 1) definition and perception of patients' goals, 2) relationship with the patient, 3) approach to medicines management and prioritisation. We observed that GPs preferred one of three different practice patterns in their approach to patients' goals in medicines decisions: 1) goals and preferences considered lower priority - 'Directive'; 2) goals seen as central - 'Goal-oriented'; 3) goals and preferences considered but not explicitly elicited - 'Tacit'. CONCLUSIONS This study explores how GPs differ in their approach to eliciting patients' goals and preferences, and how these differences are operationalised in the context of older adults taking multiple medicines. Although there are challenges in providing care that aligns with patients' goals and preferences, this study shows how complex decisions are made between GPs and their older patients in clinical practice. This work may inform future research that investigates how GPs can best incorporate the priorities of older people in decision-making around medicines. Developing practical support strategies may assist clinicians to involve patients in discussions about their medicines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristie Rebecca Weir
- Sydney School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia.
- Wiser Healthcare, Sydney School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia.
| | - Vasi Naganathan
- Centre for Education and Research on Ageing (CERA), Concord Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
- Ageing and Alzheimer's Institute, Concord Repatriation General Hospital, Concord West, New South Wales, 2139, Australia
| | - Stacy M Carter
- Australian Centre for Health Engagement, Evidence and Values (ACHEEV), School of Health and Society, Faculty of the Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Wollongong, Keiraville, New South Wales, 2522, Australia
| | - Chun Wah Michael Tam
- Primary and Integrated Care Unit, South Western Sydney Local Health District, Liverpool, New South Wales, 2170, Australia
- School of Population Health, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, 2052, Australia
| | - Kirsten McCaffery
- Sydney School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
- Wiser Healthcare, Sydney School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Carissa Bonner
- Sydney School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
- Wiser Healthcare, Sydney School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Debbie Rigby
- School of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane City, Queensland, 4000, Australia
| | - Andrew J McLachlan
- Centre for Education and Research on Ageing (CERA), Concord Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney Pharmacy School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
| | - Jesse Jansen
- Sydney School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
- Wiser Healthcare, Sydney School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
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