'The paper brochure is worth its weight in gold': a qualitative study of older adults' experiences and preferences for information delivery prior to elective hospitalisation for transcatheter aortic valve implantation in Norway.

Abstract

Older adults can have difficulties understanding and recalling information prior to hospitalisation for elective treatment. Limited research exists regarding how older adults perceive the accessibility and comprehensibility of the information provided by the hospital prior to elective hospitalisation. This study aims to explore how older adults undergoing elective hospitalisation for transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) experience the information received from the hospital and their preferences for modes of information delivery. A qualitative design was used. Data were collected through individual semistructured interviews with older adults prior to hospital discharge following elective TAVI. The data were analysed using reflective thematic analysis. All patients scheduled for elective hospitalisation for TAVI at a public university hospital in Norway were screened for eligibility. 18 older adults participated in the study. Their median age was 82 years (range 67-91), and two thirds were males. The data were categorised into four main themes: 'The paper brochure is worth its weight in gold', 'Combination of different modes of information delivery increased understanding and recall', 'Trust reduced the need to access and understand information' and 'Family played a crucial role in accessing and interpreting health information'. Older adults undergoing elective hospitalisation found the traditional brochure valuable, alone or in combination with the digital material, which included an animated film. The participants emphasised that support from family members was required to access the digital information.