Primary care experience of older Australians with chronic illness
Carla Saunders A D , David Carter B and James J. Brown C
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations
A Centre for Health Services Management, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Building 10, Jones Street, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia.
B Faculty of Law, University of Technology Sydney, Building 5B, Quay Street, Haymarket, NSW 2007, Australia.
C School of Mathematical & Physical Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Building 4, corner of Thomas Street and Harris Street, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia.
D Corresponding author. Email: carla.saunders@uts.edu.au
Australian Journal of Primary Health 25(1) 13-18 https://doi.org/10.1071/PY18098
Submitted: 27 June 2018 Accepted: 11 November 2018 Published: 6 February 2019
Abstract
This large (>1000) cross-sectional study investigates patient-reported primary care experiences of older people with chronic illness. Previous research has found that approximately half of patients with chronic illness receive optimal chronic illness care and outcomes in Australian general practice. A survey was administered via a double opt-in panel method to people aged ≥55 years who have one or more self-reported major chronic diseases (diabetes and/or chronic heart, kidney, lung, mental health and/or musculoskeletal conditions). Health professionals were found to be important to the majority of Australians surveyed. Well-known chronic illness support resources such as care plans and recalls/reminders were reported to be wanting by up to 50 per cent of respondents. Across all chronic illness groups, <42 per cent of respondents reported the provision of information on community resources and 25 per cent reported not having a sound understanding about their medications. Regular local surveys for older people with chronic illness would allow a timely understanding of primary care experiences, needs and preferences of this group, to support quality improvement and drive enhanced patient outcomes.
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