Factors that influence older patients’ participation in clinical communication within developed country hospitals and GP clinics: A systematic review of current literature

BACKGROUND: Engaging older adults in clinical communication is an essential aspect of high-quality elder care, patient safety and satisfaction in hospitals and GP clinics. However, the factors that influence older adults’ participation during their appointments with health professionals from the older patient’s perspective remain under-investigated. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to fill this knowledge gap by reviewing research articles that have examined older patients’ involvement in clinical communication. In doing so, we hope to assist healthcare professionals and institutions in developing new strategies to improve older patients’ participation and engagement in clinical communication. METHODS: A systematic review of nine databases was conducted for studies reporting identified influences on older patients’ participation in clinical communication published from 2010. These studies were then subjected to thematic analysis for stratification. RESULTS: Twenty-one articles with a total of 36,797 participants were included and highlighted three major themes that influenced older patients’ participation in the clinical communication. The first theme identified includes accessibility to appointments, support, health information and person-centred care, highlighting that access to appointments, person centred care and health information significantly influences clinical communication participation. Relevant and understandable healthcare information identified that communication factors [i.e. tailored health information, health literacy and patient language barriers, and communication impairments] influences older patients’ participation. Older Patient perceptions of HCP credibility and trustworthiness highlighted how patient’s perceptions of health professionals influence their willingness to participate in clinical communications. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: This review demonstrates that there are several factors that contribute to insufficient or no participation of older patients in clinical communication in hospitals and GP clinics. These include accessibility to relevant and understandable health information, and the perceived health professional credibility and trustworthiness. Identifying ways to address these factors may improve patient participation, doctor-patient collaboration and overall health outcomes for older patients.