Identifying service needs from the users and service providers' perspective: a focus group study of Chinese elders, health and social care professionals

摘要: Aim.  This is a preliminary study to identify older people service needs in Hong Kong from the users’ and providers’ perspective. Background.  As population ageing rapidly, it important for care of people. Although wide variety medical social services have been provided meet people, there has little evaluation or perspective regarding what are how well current provisions match their needs. In recent years importance patient-centred emphasised, where patient’s expectation given central role guiding improving provision health. However few studies carried out with respect people. Design.  To needs, focus group was conducted. Both providers were interviewed. used qualitative research method people’s generating rich information which could be inform development. Method.  Data collected by conducting eight discussions. The interviews audio-taped. Interviews then transcribed themes identified. Results.  identified several areas improvement covering adequacy, accessibility affordability services, coordination health care, quality long-term negative perceptions training Some such as adequacy staff attitudes occurred both professional groups. fast access, continuity smooth transition, affordability, available appear universal these also similar other countries. Conclusion.  addition objective outcomes, duration stay hospital re-admission rates after discharges, changes towards should evaluated users perspectives. Relevance clinical practice.  Areas delivery include timely continuity, better particularly residential setting healthcare professionals’ communication caring skills attitude.