Older Adults Living in Sheltered Housing’s Experiences of Involvement in Pro Re Nata Decisions. A Narrative Positioning Analysis

Abstract

Decisions regarding pro re nata medications might be challenging due to the complex nature of the practice. The aim of this study was to expand our understanding of the experiences of older people living in sheltered housings with regard to shared decision-making concerning pro re nata medications. In this study, we conducted in-depth interviews with residents living in Norwegian sheltered housings. The analysis was inductive, based on a narrative positioning analysis. Twelve residents were interviewed, and three narratives representing participants’ variation are presented. People take different positions in shared decision-making of pro re nata medication, and they position themselves variously at different levels and situations. Prevailing master narratives affect the residents’ positions in shared decision-making. Contrasts in older adults’ experiences indicate that shared decision-making is not straightforward and is highly reliant on the context. Seemingly, they wish to be involved and not involved at the same time, a contradiction that healthcare providers need to consider.