“Treat people with human dignity”: the perspective of older adults on the quality of geriatric rehabilitation

The aim of this study was to gain insight into the perspectives of older adults on the quality of geriatric rehabilitation (GR) during the trajectory of GR from admission until six weeks after discharge.

We conducted a longitudinal qualitative study. Participants were interviewed three times: at the start of rehabilitation, at discharge, and six weeks after discharge. The data were analysed using a thematic analysis.

In total, 50 interviews were conducted, with 18 participants being interviewed multiple times. The following themes emerged: 1. A bond of trust with health care professionals (HCPs), 2. Being prepared and informed at all stages of GR, 3. Participants emphasise physical and occupational therapy rather than other aspects of care as comprising GR 4. Changing needs regarding (the extent of) involvement in decision-making, 5. Contact with family and peers.

For older adults, preparation for and good organisation of rehabilitation and social interaction with HCPs and other older adults were found to be important for the perceived quality of GR. Social interaction is influenced by how HCPs engage with older adults in all the phases of the rehabilitation process. Older adults have varying preferences about involvement in decision-making during GR. These perspectives should be acknowledged and acted upon in clinical practice to further improve the quality of care in GR.