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Beyond Quantitative Research: How Qualitative Research Could Affect Our Understanding of Older People Needs

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The Role of Family Physicians in Older People Care

Part of the book series: Practical Issues in Geriatrics ((PIG))

Abstract

Qualitative research represents a humanistic imperative in professional practice. Qualitative evidence improves care processes and takes into account the complexity of human experience. In this chapter, we highlight the importance of conducting qualitative studies in primary and older people care, clarifying the theoretical underpinnings of qualitative methodologies. Phenomena qualitative research may deepen include personal experiences and perceptions, behaviours within a specific context, and psychosocial processes. We summarize the relevant qualitative research involving older assisted persons and family physicians: available qualitative evidence informs clinical practice by identifying needs older people are not aware of or repress, understanding the complex treatment paths from the patients and physicians’ perspectives and outlining decision-making processes dynamics. Finally, we stress listening and participation as pivotal features of conducting qualitative research. From the qualitative research lesson, family physicians may learn how to listen to the assisted persons and maximise patients and caregivers’ participation in treatments.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Qualitative Research Unit, Azienda USL—IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy

    Luca Ghirotto

  2. Società Italiana di Medicina Generale (SIMG) and Movimento Giotto (Italy), Firenze, Italy

    Mariagiovanna Amoroso

  3. Medical School of Turin, Torino, Italy

    Maria Milano

  4. Società Italiana di Medicina Generale (SIMG) and WONCA, Firenze, Italy

    Maria Milano

  5. Department of Public Health and Paediatric Sciences, University of Turin, Torino, Italy

    Lorenza Garrino

Authors
  1. Luca Ghirotto
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  2. Mariagiovanna Amoroso
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  3. Maria Milano
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  4. Lorenza Garrino
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Luca Ghirotto .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Primary Care Department USL Toscana Sud Est, Grosseto, Italy

    Jacopo Demurtas

  2. Department of Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy

    Nicola Veronese

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Ghirotto, L., Amoroso, M., Milano, M., Garrino, L. (2022). Beyond Quantitative Research: How Qualitative Research Could Affect Our Understanding of Older People Needs. In: Demurtas, J., Veronese, N. (eds) The Role of Family Physicians in Older People Care. Practical Issues in Geriatrics. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-78923-7_28

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-78923-7_28

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  • Print ISBN: 978-3-030-78922-0

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-030-78923-7

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