title: How do older persons understand the purpose and relevance of preventive home visits? A study of experiences after a first visit.
abstract: The aim of this study was to explore and describe older persons' experiences of their first Preventive Home Visit. Preventive Home Visits (PHV) are health services that aim to promote older persons' health, prevent functional decline, and reduce the need for comprehensive healthcare. The knowledge base to guide the design of effective PHV interventions is scarce. Studies that explore older persons' experiences of the first visit are essential, as compliance with the service is a prerequisite for positive outcomes. An explorative and descriptive design was applied. Qualitative research interviews with ten older persons who had received the first PHV the previous year were analysed with regard to manifest and latent content. The findings revealed that the understanding of the purpose of PHV varied. For some participants, the concepts and aims of health promotion and disease prevention were difficult to comprehend. The possibility to prepare for the visit was sought. All participants appreciated the service; the dialogue quality was good and a trusted municipal contact person provided security. To enhance compliance and ensure effective PHV, the invitation to the PHV service should include clearly stated aims and specific information about the first visit. An individualised, person-centred approach should be applied.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Health Sciences, Buskerud and Vestfold University College, Postboks 7053, 3007 Drammen, Norway ; Department of Nursing Science, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1130, Blindern, 0318 Oslo, Norway.
authors.forename: Mette
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Tøien
authors.affiliation: Hole Volunteer Central, Viksveien 29, 3530 Røyse, Norway.
authors.forename: Morten
authors.identifier: 0000-0003-4095-9024
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Heggelund
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Health Sciences, Buskerud and Vestfold University College, Postboks 7053, 3007 Drammen, Norway.
authors.forename: Lisbeth
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Fagerström
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