Strategies to Enhance Access and Utilization of Health Services by Older Population: A Comprehensive Scoping Review Publisher



A Hajizadeh ALIREZA ; Mb Aghbolagh Maryam BABAEI ; G Babaei GOLNOOSH ; M Tajvar MARYAM ; M Heydari MAHDIYEH
Source: Health and Social Care in the Community Published:2024

Abstract

Objective. Improving access to and utilization of healthcare services are necessary factors for improving the overall health of the ageing population. Accordingly, strategies to improve the access to health services should be considered. Te aim of this review study was to identify, categorize, and synthesize the interventions suggested to improve access and utilization of health services by the ageing population. Methods. Tis scoping review was conducted based on the framework established by Arksey and O’Malley. To fnd relevant studies, searches were conducted in various databases such as Medline (PubMed), Scopus, Science Direct, and ProQuest, using appropriate keywords ranging from 2000 to 2022. Te authors independently screened search results, extracted the data, and synthesized the data from the included studies. A framework analysis identifed key interventions based on the framework established by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2000. Results. Of the 8286 initially retrieved studies, only 79 were eligible for the fnal inclusion as they met the selection criteria. Results showed out of the 22 countries who have utilized some strategies the United States have implemented the most interventions (27 studies), with service delivery enhancement being the most commonly area of action(23 items), followed by improvement in fnancing, stewardship, and creating recourse (12, 11, and 11 items, respectively) functions of health services. Conclusion. Tis scoping review compiled a range of interventions aimed at enhancing older adults’ access to and utilization of health services. While most of these interventions have been implemented in high-income countries, other nations can adapt their efective approaches to their unique contexts. © 2024 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.