Rewards and Challenges in Caring for Older Adults with Multiple Chronic Conditions: Perspectives of Seniors’ Mental Health Case Managers
Publication: Canadian Journal of Community Mental Health
30 October 2018
Abstract
Healthcare professionals play an important role in caring for older adults with multiple chronic conditions (MCC). Yet few studies have examined the experiences of working with this population, particularly among non-physicians. Twenty-two mental health professionals participated in focus groups to explore the experiences of caring for older adults with MCC. Challenges included a fragmented system, stigma, and knowledge gaps. Rewards included the challenges that complexity presented and human connections. Understanding health professionals’ experiences in working with this growing population demographic can assist in the development of appropriate interventions to support providers that best meet the needs of older adults.
Résumé
Les professionnels de la santé jouent un rôle de premier plan dans les soins apportés aux personnes âgées souffrant de maladies chroniques multiples (MCM). Pourtant, peu d’études ont été menées pour évaluer l’expérience de terrain acquise par les professionnels auprès de cette population, particulièrement chez les non-médecins. Vingt-deux professionnels de la santé mentale ont participé à des groupes de discussion pour réfléchir sur l’expérience de soigner les personnes âgées atteintes de MCM. Parmi les obstacles identifiés figuraient au tableau la fragmentation du système, la stigmatisation et les écarts de savoir. Les récompenses comprenaient pour leur part les réponses apportées aux défis soulevés par la complexité et l’établissement de rapports humains. Une bonne compréhension de l’expérience acquise par les professionnels de la santé appelés à intervenir auprès de cette population croissante peut contribuer à développer des mesures d’intervention appropriées pour aider les fournisseurs de soins à répondre plus adéquatement aux besoins des adultes plus âgés.
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Published In
Canadian Journal of Community Mental Health
Volume 37 • Number 1 • May 2018
Pages: 65 - 79
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Version of record online: 30 October 2018
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Andrew Perrella, Carrie McAiney, and Jenny Ploeg. 2018. Rewards and Challenges in Caring for Older Adults with Multiple Chronic Conditions: Perspectives of Seniors’ Mental Health Case Managers. Canadian Journal of Community Mental Health.
37(1): 65-79. https://doi.org/10.7870/cjcmh-2018-007
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