Ageism in healthcare

Journal Article 1 - Background: Ageism was first introduced in the literature in the 1960s, gaining increasing recognition in the decades since. Ageism can impact a range of domains, including physical, emotional and mental well-being. Ageism in healthcare can influence older adults’ access to screening opportunities, information sharing and treatment availability. With an increasing aging population, requiring access to a wide range of healthcare services, it is crucial to identify and understand healthcare professionals’ attitudes towards older people, to ensure access to fair and impartial healthcare provision. Methods: An electronic search of 3 databases was performed (Medline, CINAHL Plus and PsycINFO) in September 2018 for studies published between 2012-2018. The quality and overall findings of the studies were assessed. Results: Twelve studies were included in the review. Attitudes ranged between neutral and positive, in line with previous reviews of the literature. More positive attitudes were evident in countries consistent with Westernised cultural value systems. No demographic variables were strongly related to attitudes with the exception of level of education which was demonstrated to be strongly associated to attitudes. Studies primarily focused on nursing staff and physicians with lower attitudes demonstrated in long-term care facilities. Conclusions: This review highlights the need for methodologically robust research aimed at capturing a range of health-professional’s attitudes. Efforts to increase education and training may act as a buffer in developing ageist stereotypes. Further research is required to better understand cultural influences with regard to ageism and attitudes.

Grantor dc:publisher

University College Cork

Year dc:date.issued

2019

Author dc:creator

• Concannon, Louise

Advisors dc:contributor.advisor

• Murphy, Mike
• Wall, Judy

• Ageism
• Attitudes
• Older adults
• Health professionals

Statement dc:rights

• © 2019, Louise Concannon.

Licence dc:rights.uri

• http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/

Language dc:language.iso

en

Handle dc:identifier.uri

https://hdl.handle.net/10468/9668

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:cora.ucc.ie:10468/9668