Shared decision making in rural general practices: a qualitative exploration of older rural South Australians’ perceived involvement in clinical consultations with doctors

Mohammad Hamiduzzaman, Noore Siddiquee, Harry James Gaffney, Frances Barraclough, Aziz Rahman, Jennene Greenhill, Vicki Flood

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

23 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Background: Shared decision-making (SDM) implementation is a priority for Australian health systems, including general practices but it remains complex for specific groups like older rural Australians. We initiated a qualitative study with older rural Australians to explore barriers to and facilitators of SDM in local general practices. 

Methods: We conducted a patient-oriented research, partnering with older rural Australians, families, and health service providers in research design. Participants who visited general practices were purposively sampled from five small rural towns in South Australia. A semi-structured interview guide was used for interviews and reflexive thematic coding was conducted.

Results: Telephone interviews were held with 27 participants. Four themes were identified around older rural adults’ involvement in SDM: (1) Understanding of “patient involvement”; (2) Positive and negative outcomes; (3) Barriers to SDM; and (4) Facilitators to SDM. Understanding of patient involvement in SDM considerably varied among participants, with some reporting their involvement was contingent on the “opportunity to ask questions” and the “treatment choices” offered to them. Alongside the opportunity for involvement, barriers such as avoidance of cultural care and a lack of continuity of care are new findings. Challenges encountered in SDM implementation also included resource constraints and time limitations in general practices. Rural knowledge of general practitioners and technology integration in consultations were viewed as potential enablers. 

Conclusions: Adequate resources and well-defined guidelines about the process should accompany the implementation of SDM in rural general practices of South Australia. Innovative strategies by general practitioners promoting health literacy and culturally-tailored communication approaches could increase older rural Australians’ involvement in general.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)140-146
Number of pages7
JournalGlobal Health Journal
Volume8
Issue number3
Early online date8 Aug 2024
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Sept 2024

Keywords

  • General practices
  • Older rural Australians
  • Patient involvement
  • Shared decision making
  • South Australia

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Shared decision making in rural general practices: a qualitative exploration of older rural South Australians’ perceived involvement in clinical consultations with doctors'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this