Challenges and solutions in the continuity of home care for rural older people: A thematic analysis

• Published in: Home health care services quarterly Vol. 39; no. 2; pp. 126 - 139
• Main Authors: Ohta, Ryuichi, Ryu, Yoshinori, Kitayuguchi, Jun, Gomi, Tatsunosuke, Katsube, Takuji
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Taylor & Francis 02-04-2020; Taylor & Francis Ltd
• Subjects: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; citizen empowerment; Community participation; Continuity of Patient Care - standards; Continuity of Patient Care - trends; Female; Focus Groups - methods; Health administration; Health services; help-seeking behavior; Home Care Services - standards; Home Care Services - trends; Home health care; Humans; Information dissemination; Interviews as Topic - methods; Japan; Male; Middle Aged; Older people; Qualitative Research; Rural areas; Rural communities; rural community; Rural Health Services - standards; Rural Health Services - trends; Rural Population - statistics & numerical data; Japan; help-seeking behavior; Community participation; rural community; citizen empowerment
• ISSN: 0162-1424; 1545-0856
• DOI: 10.1080/01621424.2020.1739185

Home care is essential for the continuity of care, but rural communities struggle to procure these services regularly. As rural populations age, these difficulties may be exacerbated. This study examines the challenges and solutions for offering home care in rural areas. Healthcare professionals held focus groups and one-on-one interviews in rural communities, and these interviews were recorded and analyzed using thematic analysis. Changing rural contexts, stakeholder relationships, and sustainable communities were the primary themes. Increasing knowledge, sharing information, and dialogue among stakeholders were also crucial. Collaboration between professions may also create more sustainable home care in rural communities.