• Sophie C E van Blijswijk, Lisa S van Tol, Jeanet W Blom, den ElzenWendy P JWPJDepartment of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands., and Jacobijn Gussekloo.
• Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands. s.c.e.blijswijk@lumc.nl.
• Bmc Fam Pract. 2020 Oct 19; 21 (1): 213.

BackgroundProviding older persons with information about their health status may increase their involvement in their own health and enhance self-management. However, we need a better understanding of how older persons view their personal results after completing a screening questionnaire on complex health, of their (lack of) motivation and their subsequent action.MethodsIn this qualitative study community-dwelling older persons (≥80 years, n = 13) who completed a screening questionnaire on complex health problems were interviewed regarding their perception of the results, the actions they considered taking and their personal motivations. Data were analysed thematically (qualitative content analyses).ResultsParticipants expressed interest in feedback, as an objective questionnaire might substantiate their own views regarding their personal health. They were mostly unsurprised by the results and/or had already taken precautions and were therefore not inclined to undertake additional action. They admitted difficulty with and appreciated advice from a professional regarding preparation of an action plan. Unexpected negative results would lead them to discuss matters with family and/or their general practitioner, provided they had a good relationship with their GP.ConclusionOlder people were interested in direct feedback regarding their screening questionnaire results and in subsequent advice on possible additional measures. General practices could consider inviting older persons to complete a screening questionnaire and discuss activities and personal goals. This information could serve to better shape future interventions aimed at increasing self-management amongst older persons.

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