# “We Do Not Seem to Have Geriatric Wards”: A Qualitative Analysis of Gaps in Healthcare Access Among Older Patients in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

## TL;DR

This study explores the challenges older patients face in accessing healthcare in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, highlighting poor infrastructure, lack of specialized services, and limited geriatric expertise.

## Contribution

The study provides a qualitative analysis of healthcare access gaps for older adults in Ethiopia, emphasizing the need for geriatric-focused policies and training.

## Key findings

- Health facilities lack physical infrastructure suitable for older patients.
- Specialized geriatric care services are limited or absent.
- Health professionals have limited geriatric expertise.

## Abstract

Access to quality healthcare for older patients is a challenge worldwide, particularly in several African countries. As traditional support systems for older adults are weakening across the continent, older adults are increasingly relying on formal health systems that are not prepared enough to meet their needs. The aim of this study was to investigate the challenges of accessing healthcare among older patients in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from the perspective of older patients and healthcare professionals.

Semi‐structured qualitative interviews were conducted with 20 older adults (60 years and older) and 26 health professionals, including physicians and nurses, purposively selected from health facilities in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia's capital. The interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using the reflexive thematic analysis approach.

Three themes were produced from our analysis of the data. First, participants stated that the physical and material infrastructure of health facilities was not convenient for providing specialized care for older patients. Second, they reported that specialized care services for older patients were highly limited or even absent. Third, they underlined limited geriatric expertise among health professionals as an additional challenge.

The lack of specialized care for older patients in Ethiopia leaves this population vulnerable to increased health challenges and raises ethical concerns about justice in healthcare distribution. The findings can inform preparedness and health policy efforts aimed at improving the well‐being of older adults in Ethiopia and similar contexts. Additionally, there is a need to enhance geriatric training among healthcare professionals and establish departments specifically designed for geriatric care in health facilities.