Barriers and Facilitators to Age‐Friendly Health Care: A Scoping Review

Abstract

AimsAs the global population ages, older adults are increasingly experiencing more complex health problems, resulting in an increase in the prevalence of prolonged hospitalisation. This study aimed to explore the barriers and facilitators to age‐friendly health care.DesignScoping review.Data SourcesA systematic search was performed from 2004 to 2024 in the following eight electronic databases: PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, EBSCOhost, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, China Science and Technology Journal Database and WanFang. A manual search was conducted through the references of the included papers and related publications.Review MethodsThis review utilised the scoping review methodology framework proposed by Arksey and O'Malley. Studies were screened and extracted independently by two reviewers using a standardised form. Thematic synthesis was used to summarise data. The PRISMA‐ScR Checklist was also used.ResultsThirty‐seven studies were included. The following six themes were identified: (1) communication and services; (2) facilities and environment; (3) leadership and policy; (4) information management and investment; (5) education and training and (6) multidisciplinary resources.ConclusionSeveral barriers and facilitators to age‐friendly health care have been reported. Communication and service issues are critical to age‐friendly care both in developed and developing countries. Understanding modifiable barriers and facilitators is essential to addressing these factors and promoting evidence‐based care for older individuals.ImpactWith the rapid growth of ageing populations worldwide, hospitals need to adapt to ensure age‐friendly health care for older patients, and this review provides insights on barriers and facilitators to age‐friendly health care. To this end, the review is designed to stimulate global discussions among hospital leaders, clinicians and staff; policymakers and researchers to improve care for patients as they age.Patient or Public ContributionNo patient or public contribution.