Page 7 - Hospital Authority Convention 2017

Symposiums

S8.3 Decision Making 09:00 Theatre 1

Informed Decision Making for Elderly
Lou V
Sau Po Centre for Ageing, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong HOSPITAL AUTHORITY CONVENTION 2017
The extended longevity in the past decades requires both professionals and families to make decisions on health and social
care arrangements increasingly. From time to time, professionals including medical doctors, nurses, and social workers
are expected to engage families in decision making processes by identifying needs, exploring options, and informing them
health and social care options, advantages and disadvantages of each option, and potential impacts. While health belief
model is widely adopted in healthcare decision-making, review of literature revealed three challenges when applying this
model in informed decision making for elderly. First, the underlying assumption of the desire to avoid illness or getting well
is challenged by the observation that some older adults are living with chronic conditions such as cognitive impairment.
Second, experiences of families with older adults suffer from end-stage conditions question that certain actions will prevent
or lessen the changes of illness. Third, literature and field observations among Chinese older adults showed a tendency of
relying on children and medical doctors in the decision-making process. A cultural-sensitive model of informed decision
making for elderly is urgently in need.

Wednesday, 17 May

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