Healthcare decision-making and the older person

Background This report outlines the results of a collaborative research project undertaken by Dr John Lombard of the School of Law University of Limerick, and Age Action Ireland. The project explored healthcare decision-making and the older person, in particular, it examined the older person’s experience of autonomy and consent in healthcare, familiarity with decision-making practices, and awareness of forthcoming decision-making supports. The purpose of this empirical research was to gauge perceptions of autonomy, to identify aspects of healthcare decision-making which raise greatest concern for the older person, and to determine whether there is a lack of understanding surrounding aspects of the legal framework. The research project was therefore shaped by three core objectives: 1. To explore the older person’s understanding of autonomy in healthcare, familiarity with decision-making practices, and awareness of forthcoming decision-making supports. 2. To identify the priorities, concerns and needs of the older person around this topic 3. To identify shortcomings between the legal framework and the subjective experience of research participants The experience and views of the older person were captured through quantitative research