Profile of: Kate Tucker

Award Received: Canada Graduate Scholarship - Master's (Canadian Institutes of Health Research)

Awarded for the project: Experiences and Perceptions of Unattached Older Adults in New Brunswick; A Qualitative Study on Primary Care Access and Health System Navigation 

Faculty: Interdisciplinary Studies

Department: Applied Health Services Research

Supervisors: Dr. Pamela Durepos

Primary care includes routine care and first point-of-contact services essential to healthy aging. However, we currently lack an understanding of the experiences of people who require primary care services and are without an “attached” care provider (PCP). This study explored experiences of unattachment through semi-structured interviews with 14 community-dwelling older adults. Interpretive description was the methodological approach used for this study. Findings indicate the importance of a sense of belonging in care navigation for older adults and the profound impact of a meaningful and consistent relationship with a PCP. Other themes included age-specific decision-making criteria, the impact of various privileges and experiences of unattachment, and innovative approaches to health services access/navigation. Adverse outcomes have been associated with unattached older adults elsewhere in Canada; however, minimal research explores their perceptions of this experience. This study provides critical insight into the circumstances of being unattached and highlights strategic direction for necessary reform.