Gerontological health services in the Kassena-Nankana Municipality: experiences and insights of healthcare providers

Gerontological healthcare services are increasingly vital in regions experiencing ageing populations, such as the Kassena-Nankana Municipality. However, comprehensive data on the current state of healthcare services for older adults in this area are limited. Understanding the available services, their delivery processes, and outcomes is crucial for improving care for the ageing population. An exploratory descriptive qualitative research design, guided by the Donabedian Quality of Care Model and grounded in social constructivism, was employed. Eighteen healthcare professionals, including clinicians and administrators, were purposively sampled. Data were collected through semi-structured, face-to-face interviews, audio-recorded with consent, supplemented by field notes, and analysed using thematic content analysis. Participants aged 28–56 years with 2–28 years of experience were included in the study. The Donabedian model, with two a priori thematic domains (structure and process), guided the analysis and was used to examine the quality of gerontological healthcare. Two major themes and seven sub-themes: healthcare services for older adults and healthcare delivery processes. Findings revealed variations in service availability, workforce capacity, and delivery processes influencing care for older adults. The study highlights the urgent need for healthcare reforms. Strengthening structural components, such as workforce capacity and service availability, and improving care processes, including provider responsiveness and coordination, are essential to enhancing the quality of gerontological healthcare. Hence, enhanced resources (including specific protocols for the care of older adults) and interdisciplinary collaboration are needed to improve service delivery and quality of life for older adults in rural communities such as Kassena-Nankana.