Seniors Struggle to Navigate Complex Medical Care System, Study Finds
As adults age, the need for medical care tends to increase, but a new study from Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston reveals that coordinating that care can be a daunting task for seniors. The study, led by Ishani Ganguli, an associate professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School, looked at data from over 6,000 adults aged 65 and older to understand the challenges they face in receiving medical treatment.
According to the study, older adults spent an average of 17.3 days receiving ambulatory care, which includes visits to primary care or specialty doctors, tests, imaging procedures, or treatments. They also spent an average of 20.7 total contact days, which encompassed time in hospitals, emergency departments, skilled-nursing facilities, or hospice facilities.
The complexity of the healthcare system, with different guidelines for medical conditions, financial incentives for doctors, and the need for specialized care, can make it difficult for seniors to navigate their medical needs. Dr. Marc Siegel, a clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Medical Center, emphasized that the system is overburdened and there is a shortage of healthcare providers.
Dr. Shana Johnson, a physical medicine and rehabilitation physician, highlighted the challenges seniors face in obtaining care, from finding providers that accept their insurance to getting the right diagnosis and treatment. The rise of digital technologies in healthcare adds another layer of difficulty for older adults.
To reduce the burden of medical care for seniors, experts recommend giving feedback to doctors, discussing health priorities and trade-offs, and asking questions to ensure understanding of treatment plans. Some medical centers offer social workers or patient navigators to help seniors coordinate appointments and arrange transportation.
Overall, the study underscores the need for a more streamlined and accessible healthcare system for older adults. As the population ages and healthcare needs increase, addressing these challenges will be crucial in ensuring that seniors receive the care they need.
