Date of Award

5-2019

Degree Type

Capstone

Degree Name

Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences

Department

Public Health

Abstract

Purpose : This literature analysis aims to understand the tangible and intangible barriers that impact the growing geriatric population in preventing from receiving quality healthcare

Methods: This literature review allowed for the investigation of the various types of barriers when the American geriatric population tries to access high-quality healthcare. Different types of settings were considered; however, there was a focus on Philadelphia. The analysis allowed for the creation of possible associations and solutions for this issue. Additional articles about the most significant barriers were searched based on an original article by Horton and Johnson (2010).

Results: Cost seems to be one of the important, tangible aspects in regards to the lack of access and quality of care (Fitzpatrick et al. 2004). The highest percentage of all health spending consisted of the elderly population. As of 2016, there were 7,000 practicing geriatricians in the United States (Hafner 2016). There is a positive relationship between health literacy, of the geriatric population, and perception of social standing (Fernandez et al. 2016). Approximately 20% of elderly patients belonged to the dislike subgroup--making going to the doctor the most cited reason for delaying care (Sun and Smith 2017).

Conclusion: Medical professionals, public health officials, and policymakers must address the negative aging stereotypes and delay of health care delay amongst the geriatric population. Once the negative stigma of aging is gone, then additional programs and resources can be developed to assist the elderly population. Recently there has been a shift towards patient/person-centered care--focusing on “personal choice and autonomy for people receiving health services” (Kogan, A. C., Wilber, K., & Mosqueda, L. 2016).

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