Korean J Adult Nurs.  2021 Jun;33(3):269-282. 10.7475/kjan.2021.33.3.269.

Subjective Perception of Long-Term Care Facilities in Home-Dwelling Older Adults: A Q Methodological Study

• Ha EH

• KMID: 2517242
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.7475/kjan.2021.33.3.269

Abstract

Purpose
Long-Term Care Facilities (LTCF) are places where older adults who require help managing dementia, stroke, and other senile diseases live. The facilities provide convenience for meals, medical and nursing care, and daily life. Therefore, since the actual consumers are older adults rather than the young, it is important to understand the perceptions of older adults about LTCF. This study aimed to identify subjective perceptions toward LTCF in home-dwelling older adults.
Methods
The Q methodology systematic research method, which investigates participants’ subjective viewpoints and perceptions of certain issues, was used. Forty Q-statements were derived from the Q population and arranged in rank order by 50 participants (over 65 years old) into a normal distribution grid (from -4 to +4). A pc QUANL program was used to analyze the collected data.
Results
Three types of subjective perceptions toward LTCF were revealed: “demand for LTCF management improvement (viewpoint of management first, use after)”, “support for LTCF admission (viewpoint of essential use)”, and “distrust of using LTCF (viewpoint of opposition to use)”.
Conclusion
The results of this study can be helpful in developing nursing strategies to ensure better understanding of LTCF among home-dwelling older adults. It is also necessary to develop individualized nursing intervention programs reflecting the three types of subjective perceptions derived in this study.

Keyword

Aged; Long-term care; Perception