Date of Conferral

2020

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Health Services

Advisor

Cheryl Anderson

Abstract

Older adults may need, or desire, caregiver and family involvement to avoid hospitalizations and institutionalizations. The caregivers of these older adults have the highest rates of burnout, injury, and turnover. Family-centered care (FCC) involves collaboration between healthcare practitioners, patients, family members, and caregivers. FCC is both established and effective in pediatric care settings. There is a paucity of evidence on how FCC is applied to older adult populations. Home health physical therapists (HHPTs) work with older adults in their homes and train both family members on how to safely handle and manage the care-dependent older adult. The purpose of this single-case study was to explore the perspectives of HHPTs on the delivery of FCC to older adults using a purposeful sample of 14 HHPTs in a community in the western United States. Semi-structured interviews were used to interview each HHPTs. The interview responses were member checked for accuracy and analyzed on a coding table. Three main themes emerged with supporting subthemes. The first theme was that FCC is complex and practiced differently between HHPTs. The second theme was that FCC is used to impact the health factors defined by the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) model. The third theme was that contextual factors have the biggest impact on the delivery of FCC. The themes, and supporting subthemes, were conceptualized within the ICF model. Recommendations were made for additional FCC visits, expanded FCC education and training, and further FCC research. This study has the potential to lead to positive social changes through expansions in FCC education, training, and research; improved caregiver, family, and patient health outcomes; and higher patient, family, and caregiver satisfaction.

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