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BMC Geriatrics
Published in: BMC Geriatrics 1/2022

Open Access 01-12-2022 | Care | Research

Assessing equity and quality indicators for older people – Adaptation and validation of the Assessing Care of Vulnerable Elders (ACOVE) checklist for the Portuguese care context

Authors: Adriana Taveira, Ana Paula Macedo, Nazaré Rego, José Crispim

Published in: BMC Geriatrics | Issue 1/2022

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Abstract

Background

Development has promoted longer and healthier lives, but the rise in the proportion of older adults poses new challenges to health systems. Susceptibilities of older persons resulting from lower knowledge about services availability, health illiteracy, lower income, higher mental decline, or physical limitations need to be identified and monitored to assure the equity and quality of health care. The aim of this study was to develop equity indicators for the Assessing Care of Vulnerable Elders (ACOVE)-3 checklist and perform the first cross-cultural adaptation and validation of this checklist into Portuguese.

Methods

A scoping literature review of determinants or indicators of health (in)equity in the care of older people was performed. A total of 5 language experts and 18 health professionals were involved in the development and validation of the equity and quality indicators through expert opinion and focus groups. Data collected from focus groups was analyzed through directed or conventional content analysis. The usefulness of the indicators was assessed by analyzing the clinical records of 30 patients.

Results

The literature review revealed that there was a worldwide gap concerning equity indicators for older people primary health care. A structured and complete checklist composed of equity and quality indicators was obtained, validated and assessed. A significant number of non-screened quality or equity related potential occurrences that could have been avoided if the proposed indicators were implemented were detected. The percentage of non-registered indicators was 76.6% for quality and 96.7% for equity.

Conclusions

Applying the proposed checklist will contribute to improve the monitoring of the clinical situation of vulnerable older people and the planning of medical and social actions directed at this group.
Appendix
Available only for authorised users
Footnotes
1
Plano Nacional de Saúde da Pessoa Idosa (Older People National Health Plan).
 
2
doi: 10.17632/4h9637mt8y.1
 
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Metadata
Title
Assessing equity and quality indicators for older people – Adaptation and validation of the Assessing Care of Vulnerable Elders (ACOVE) checklist for the Portuguese care context
Authors
Adriana Taveira
Ana Paula Macedo
Nazaré Rego
José Crispim
Publication date
01-12-2022
Publisher
BioMed Central
Keyword
Care
Published in
BMC Geriatrics / Issue 1/2022
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2318
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12877-022-03104-5

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