A qualitative research on the challenges that family physicians encounter in elderly patient meetings

Elderly health is becoming more and more important with the increase in the elderly population. Family doctors undertake important duties in elderly health, as they are the first point of contact of the first step. The purpose of this study is to reveal the qualitative characteristics of family doctors' difficulties in interviews with elderly patients. In 3 focus group interviews between January 2020 and March 2020, a total of 22 family doctors were asked open-ended questions about the difficulties encountered in elderly patient interviews. The data collected with a voice recorder were analyzed qualitatively. As a result of the analyzes, the themes of "elderly patient", "primary care", "patient-related factors", "solution of the physician" and "feeling of the physician" were determined. Most of our participants stated that the disabilities of the patient caused the difficulties of interviewing during the interview process. The most emphasized in these obstacles; patient's communication barriers and polypharmacy. As a matter of fact, as a solution for these obstacles; the empathy, trust environment and the holistic approach that is part of the family medicine discipline are the most emphasized elements. Loneliness of the elderly was also expressed by all participants. Characteristics of elderly patients, differences from other patients, elderly patients' perspective on health, reasons for application, companion, patient's feelings, patient's physical barriers, primary care environment, difference from secondary and tertiary medicine, continuity of care, solution of physical disabilities, Familiy Health Center's physical conditions, respect for the physician, positive, negative and changing feelings of the physician are our other sub-themes. As a result, communication with the patient in the elderly patient interview is as important as medical information and equipment. In line with the statements of our participants, patient satisfaction is independent of medical knowledge and difficulties can be overcome with appropriate communication. Key Words: Elderly Patient, Family Medicine, İnterview Difficulties Contact Address: yaprak.selcukk@gmail.com