How do patient ≥ 80 years admitted with hip-fracture reflect about a hypothetical life-threatening complication?
In this qualitative interview study, we aim – by moving the hypothetical scenario closer to the clinical reality – at improving our understanding of how being admitted to hospital affects the perception of falling critically ill in advanced age.
We are currently conducting an interview study aiming to describe the notions and preferences of older patients (≥ 80 years) regarding intensive care treatment in cases of acute critical illness.
In a recently conducted survey among elderly outpatients, we found that their wishes concerning intensive care varied widely from person to person. However, a survey is not well suited to capturing the underlying thoughts and attitudes that may explain this variation. Research topics involving complex human experiences are best explored using qualitative methods. It is also uncertain whether patients would think differently about such matters when admitted unscheduled to a hospital. We are therefore interviewing patients over the age of 80 who are acutely admitted with a hip fracture.
The project will contribute to a better understanding of older patients’ expectations regarding intensive care treatment in acute, critical illness, so that older people to a greater extent may be offered the treatment they wish for and can benefit from.
The project has been approved by the Regional Committee for Medical and Health Research Ethics (REK Midt), reference number 780869.