Patient Expectations: A Qualitative Study on What Patients Want From Their Healthcare Providers to Support Them in Healthy Aging.

Abstract

Study Purpose: While extensive literature exists on healthy aging and the role of lifestyle medicine in promoting it, little is known about what patients expect from their healthcare providers to support them in this process. This study explored these expectations. Methods: We conducted 22 one-hour focus groups with a diverse sample of men and women, aged 38-88, and used reflexive thematic analysis to identify common themes related to these expectations. Results: Three key themes were generated regarding participant expectations: (1) Respect and Collaboration, (2) Information on Alternatives to Medication, and (3) Information on Preventative Care. Participants emphasized the importance of being valued as individuals and treated as active partners in their care, even during brief medical appointments. They also expressed a desire for guidance on non-pharmacologic approaches and age-appropriate preventive strategies to support healthy aging. Conclusion: This study examines healthy aging through the unique lens of patient expectations. It reveals that patients expect healthcare providers to act as proactive, collaborative partners in their journey toward healthy aging. It also underscores patients' preference for evidence-based alternatives to medication and for preventive care, including guidance on lifestyle choices, to support healthy aging throughout the lifespan.