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BMC Health Services Research

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Open Access 01-12-2021 | Care | Research article

Comparison of the caregivers’ and community health professionals’ views on home health care services for disabled older adults: a cross-sectional study in Beijing, China

Authors: Xiaojingyuan Xu, Chunyan Zhao, Meirong Wang, Xiaolei Chen, Shuang Shao, Juan Du

Published in: BMC Health Services Research | Issue 1/2021

Abstract

Background

In an era of an increasingly ageing society, part of healthcare for older adults can be provided in patients’ homes, and the need for home health care services (HHCSs) is increasing. This study sought to determine whether a gap exists between the views of community health professionals and the caregivers of disabled older adults towards HHCSs in Beijing, China.

Methods

A cross-sectional study with two comparative questionnaire surveys was conducted in Beijing, China. One survey was administered to the caregivers of disabled older adults, and the other was administered to health professionals in community health service institutions (CHSIs). T-tests and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were used to explore potential differences between the views of caregivers and community health professionals towards HHCSs.

Results

We received 370 valid questionnaires from caregivers and 224 questionnaires from health professionals. Of the 370 caregivers, 314 (84.9%) were willing to apply for HHCSs for the older adults, but only 20.5% (N = 76) received HHCSs. Over 80% of the caregivers accepted out-of-pocket costs less than 100 yuan per visit. Caregivers’ demands on home nursing services were significantly higher than those of health guidance services (Z = − 7.725, P < 0.001). Most of the 224 health professionals chose “health professionals’ personal safety cannot be guaranteed” as a problem limiting the provision of HHCSs (N = 151, 40.8%). The health professionals’ attitudes towards home nursing services were significantly less positive than those towards health guidance services (Z = − 10.081, P < 0.001). For home nursing services, health professionals’ attitude scores were lower than the caregivers’ demand scores (Z = − 4.960, P < 0.001), while for health guidance services, health professionals’ attitude scores were higher than the caregivers’ demand scores (Z = − 8.373, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Gaps exist between the views of caregivers and health professionals on HHCSs. Compared to health professionals with a higher willingness to provide health guidance services, caregivers need home nursing services. Feasible policies should be implemented to safeguard the rights and interests of health professionals, and qualified health professionals should be trained for HHCSs.

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Title: Comparison of the caregivers’ and community health professionals’ views on home health care services for disabled older adults: a cross-sectional study in Beijing, China
Authors: Xiaojingyuan Xu
Chunyan Zhao
Meirong Wang
Xiaolei Chen
Shuang Shao
Juan Du
Publication date: 01-12-2021
Publisher: BioMed Central
Keyword: Care
Published in: BMC Health Services Research / Issue 1/2021
Electronic ISSN: 1472-6963
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-021-06400-9

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Comparison of the caregivers’ and community health professionals’ views on home health care services for disabled older adults: a cross-sectional study in Beijing, China

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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