Aging adults depend on complex treatment plans to manage chronic conditions, yet little is known about their ability to perform the sophisticated behaviors required of technologically engaged patients. This qualitative descriptive study describes engagement with the plan of care. Forty chronically ill adults participated in this study, which involved an observation of the clinical encounter and an interview. Data were collected and analyzed simultaneously in keeping with principles of qualitative research. Multiple techniques were used to test conclusions and findings were constructed as thematic sentences, including the following: I act in ways that support my health, I manage my health-related information, I make visits with my doctor part of my routine, I participate in treatment planning. Older adults work to achieve self-management to the best of their ability, shunning the use of health information technology (HIT) and demonstrating a preference for provider-created treatment plans.
Keywords: American southwest; aged; decision-making; medical informatics; patient participation; qualitative; qualitative descriptive; shared.