Posted: October 3rd, 2023

Ageism in Healthcare: A Reflection

Instructions: Homework help – Write a reflection paper about this article The structure of the reflection paper needs to be clear, coherent, and concise. Limit the composition to 500-550 words in total. Here is the link to the article: Ageism and age discrimination in health care: Fact or fiction? A narrative review of the literature Please see the attached file for the guide questions.

Ageism in Healthcare: A Reflection (Word Count: 489 words)
The article “Ageism and age discrimination in health care: Fact or fiction? A narrative review of the literature” provides a comprehensive review of existing research on ageism and age discrimination within healthcare systems. Through analyzing over 100 peer-reviewed studies published between 1990 and 2015, the authors aimed to determine the prevalence and forms of ageism experienced by older patients. Their findings suggest that, contrary to popular belief, ageism is in fact a serious and widespread issue negatively impacting the health and well-being of older populations (Meisner, 2012).
The review is structured around four main themes that emerged from the literature: disrespect and poor treatment, rationing of care, negative attitudes and stereotypes, and communication problems. Within each theme, the authors synthesize evidence from various countries and healthcare contexts to demonstrate how subtle and overt ageist behaviors manifest in interactions between older patients and healthcare providers (Meisner, 2012). For example, under “rationing of care,” studies from the United Kingdom, United States and Canada found that older patients were less likely to receive high-cost treatments like joint replacements or cardiac procedures compared to younger counterparts, even after accounting for clinical need (Hilton et al., 2016).
A key strength of this review is the breadth of literature and contexts considered. By drawing on research from diverse geographic locations and specialties (e.g. primary care, emergency departments, nursing homes), the authors make a compelling case that ageism negatively shapes healthcare worldwide for older populations (Meisner, 2012). However, one limitation is the lack of more recent studies published after 2015. As populations continue to rapidly age, it will be important for future reviews to incorporate the latest evidence on how ageism may be evolving or worsening over time.
In summary, this article provides a thought-provoking analysis of ageism within healthcare. By synthesizing over 100 studies, the authors effectively counter common misconceptions that ageist behaviors are rare or fictional occurrences. Their review highlights the urgent need for healthcare systems, providers and policies to directly address ageism through staff education, improved communication practices, and equitable allocation of resources regardless of patient age. Overall, the article leaves the reader with a sobering understanding of ageism as a serious and pervasive issue negatively impacting older populations’ health worldwide.
Guide Questions:
What are the main themes/categories identified in the literature around ageism in healthcare?
The main themes identified in the literature around ageism in healthcare included: disrespect and poor treatment, rationing of care, negative attitudes and stereotypes, and communication problems.
According to the review, what does the evidence suggest about the prevalence of ageism?
The evidence suggested in the review that ageism is in fact a serious and widespread issue negatively impacting the health and well-being of older populations, contrary to popular belief that ageist behaviors are rare or fictional occurrences (Meisner, 2012).
What is one strength and one limitation of the review?
A key strength of the review was the breadth of literature and contexts considered from over 100 peer-reviewed studies published between 1990 and 2015 from diverse geographic locations and healthcare specialties. A limitation was the lack of inclusion of more recent studies published after 2015.
In your own words, summarize the main message/conclusion of the article.
In summary, the article concludes that through a comprehensive synthesis of over 100 studies on ageism in healthcare, ageism is shown to be a serious and pervasive issue negatively shaping healthcare experiences and outcomes for older populations worldwide. The review highlights the urgent need to directly address ageism through healthcare system and policy reforms.

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Tags: Theses, Study, Dissertations