Identification and prioritization of patient-centred strategies to enhance IBD-related care for older adults: a modified Delphi approach

• Published in: Journal of the Canadian Association of Gastroenterology Vol. 7; no. 5; pp. 384 - 392
• Main Authors: Rohatinsky, Noelle, Tooke, Natasha, Fowler, Sharyle, Rueda-Clausen, Christian, Morrison, Dirk, Winchester, Judith, Peña-Sánchez, Juan-Nicolás
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: US Oxford University Press 01.10.2024
• Subjects: Adults; Editor's Choice; Inflammatory bowel disease; Older people; Original; older adults; chronic illness care; modified Delphi; inflammatory bowel disease
• ISSN: 2515-2084; 2515-2092; 2515-2092
• DOI: 10.1093/jcag/gwae021

Abstract Background The older adult age group makes up one of the fastest-growing groups of individuals with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It is important to hear the perspectives of older adults living with IBD about care experiences and managing their illness. The purpose of this patient-oriented study was to identify and prioritize patient-centred strategies that have the potential to enhance IBD-related care for older adults in Saskatchewan. Methods The interprofessional research team, consisting of older adult individuals living with IBD, gastroenterology providers, and researchers specializing in IBD or older adult education used a modified Delphi approach to identify and prioritize strategies that may enhance IBD-related care for older adults. Thirty-one older adults with IBD participated in ranking, revising, and prioritizing statements related to their chronic illness care. Nine statements were developed that highlighted strategies for older adult IBD care. Results Through the consensus process, 6 statements were retained. Co-creating a treatment plan with the IBD provider was ranked as the top priority statement for older adults with IBD. Conclusion Facilitating collaborative relationships and understanding individual priorities for IBD-related care for older adults has the potential to enhance positive health outcomes and quality of life for these individuals. Lay Summary People over 60 with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are one of the fastest-growing groups in Canada. We need to know more about what aspects are important to older adults when thinking about their care. Our research team included nurses, doctors, researchers, students, and people over 60 with IBD. We asked 31 older adults with IBD to rank, change, and create statements that were important to them for their care. We used meetings and tools to get this information. Nine statements were created by older adults that were important to them for their care. After the research process, 6 statements were kept. We also asked older adults to pick the most important statement that would help them with their care. Older adults wanted to co-create a treatment plan with their provider. This information can help make care better for older people living with IBD.