Table 2 Themes and Sub-themes by Research Question
| Research Question 1: PC and HSS Providers’ Perceptions of Common Health and Social Service Needs, Barriers in Accessing PC and HSS, and Service Gaps Experienced by Community-dwelling Older Adults | |
| HHS Needs of Older Adults | |
| • Need for improved management of multiple chronic conditions • Need for a shared understanding of older adults’ needs and abilities • Need for understanding and acceptance of services and supports • Need for social support and advocacy | |
| Barriers to Accessing HSS and PC Services for Older Adults | |
| • Untimely access • Restrictive eligibility criteria • Financial challenges | |
| Service Gaps for Older Adults | |
| • Lack of affordable and accessible transportation • Challenges with communication • Health literacy | |
| Research Question 2: The Nature of Relationships between PC and HSS | |
| • HSS struggling to communicate with PC • PC has stronger linkages with core health services than with HSS • Frustration with the complex nature of HSS system navigation • Poor care coordination | |
| Research Question 3: System Navigation Strategies to Facilitate Access to Services for Older Adults | |
| Theme | Sub-theme |
| • Improving partnerships between service providers | • Employing effective communication strategies • Building trust and rapport between HSS and PC |
| • Working to meet the needs of the client | • Using a person-centred approach • Applying effective case coordination • Adapting services/programs to address access barriers and fill gaps for older adults’ needs • Advocating for improved program access for older adults |