The phenomenologically derived assessment tool, Hermes, was developed in a rehabilitation setting for adopting the ideal of person-centered care, into nursing practices. The aim of the study was to explore the usefulness of Hermes for enhancing person centred approach to health assessment and health promotion practices of older adults in primary care. Action research methodology was applied. Participants were 10 older adults in primary care and a nurse who conducted the health assessment interview with them through Hermes as well as following with subsequent health promotion. Moreover, 5 general physicians of the older adults participated in the study. Each older adult who participated was followed for two months. Data collection comprised of: i) The health interviews through the use of Hermes with the older adults; Interviews (semi-structured and unstructured) with the older adults about their experience of the use of Hermes; Unstructured interviews with the general physicians; Diary in which the nurse recorded the progress and the reflections upon the study. Data were analysed by thematic analysis. The results consisted the following 5 main theme: i) Some adjustment needed of Hermes in its use for older adults; ii) Enhanced open discussion of health issues of concern from a holistic health perspective; iii) Promoted understanding and awareness of the older adults’ health situation; iv) Needs attended to through trusting relationship; v) Promotion of interdisciplinary teamwork. Overall, the use of Hermes enhanced person-centred care in the health promotion of older adults in primary care.

Authors:
Kristin Thorarinsdottir, University of Akureyri, Iceland
Anna Ólafsdóttir, The Primary Health Care Centre, Reykjavík, Iceland
Rúnar Sigthórsson, University of Akureyri, Iceland

About the Presenter(s)
Dr. Kristín Thórarinsdóttir is currently an Associate professor at the Faculty of Nursing, University of Akureyri, Iceland.

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