Nippon Ronen Igakkai Zasshi. Japanese Journal of Geriatrics
Print ISSN : 0300-9173
A Survey on Awareness Concerning Medical Management by Elderly Patients
Eiichi NaguraMasayuki KimuraTakehiko HosokawaTomomi OhishiHidetoshi EndoHideo YamadaAkihiro Igata
Author information
JOURNAL FREE ACCESS

1994 Volume 31 Issue 11 Pages 889-898

Details
Abstract

We conducted a questionnaire survey on the awareness of elderly patients in our hospital concerning medical management. As to the recognition of their own diseases, patients aged 80 or older, showed a lower degree of understanding than those under age 80. The proportion of patients who wished to know about their diagnosis decreased with age, although no statistical significance was recognized. Those who wished to known about their diagnosis, even if it were malignant, reduced significantly depending on the increase in age. In addition, the proportion of patients who would not like to know their diagnosis, if it were malignant, increased significantly as age increased. Proportions of patients who wanted to know other information, such as prognosis, the aims, methods and results of medical examination, the methods and adverse effects of treatment, and the names, effects and side effects of drugs, also decreased significantly as age increased. However, there were no statistical significant differences in the proportion of answers between cases of malignant and non-malignant disease. These data show that elderly patients had more anxiety or fear about malignancy, and wished to know less about medical management than nonelderly patients.

Content from these authors
© The Japan Geriatrics Society
Previous article Next article
feedback
Top