Date of Award
Spring 1988
Document Type
Thesis - Restricted
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Nursing
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to determine the health care services for which noninstitutionalized elderly persons would like to have insurance coverage. Study subjects were 100 males and females who were at least 65 years of age, drawn from several senior citizen centers and one hospital volunteer organization. The survey design method was chosen and a written questionnaire was developed and administered. The categories included were sociodemographic characteristics, health history, health status and the rating of health care services as to the importance for insurance coverage. Content analysis was implemented to examine and group the data so that dimensions and underlying patterns of relationship could be established. The top ten health care services for which respondents wanted health insurance coverage were: hospitalization, routine eye exam for glasses, routine physical exam, cataract screening, eye glasses, physician office visits, glaucoma testing, diagnostic tests, lab work and electrocardiograms. It is suggested that nurses become recognized leaders in meeting the unique needs of the elderly such as designing and developing cost-effective, quality health care delivery systems in a variety of settings to meet priorities for services identified. Four of the top 10 health care services identified were related to eye care. Nurses could serve as case managers, identify a network of referral sources and serve as primary informants for those resources, including prevention and client teaching.
Recommended Citation
Herman, Rita E., "Health Care Priorities of the Aged" (1988). Master's Theses (1922-2009) Access restricted to Marquette Campus. 3375.
https://epublications.marquette.edu/theses/3375