Presentation

· Contributors · Organizations · Search Program

Chronic Illness Complexities and Research Guidance for Outpatient and At-Home Health Care

DescriptionHome healthcare remains the fastest-growing industry in the United States (BLS, 2024) and is expected to grow in the coming decades. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services estimates that 8,090 home-health care agencies in the United States provide care to more than 2.4 million elderly and disabled individuals annually (Kitchener et al., 2005). Moreover, approximately 76.4% of adults in the United States identify with having one or more chronic conditions (Watson et al., 2025). Despite the prevalence, at-home health and the nuances associated with chronic illness are a markedly under-discussed topic, especially within the context of human factors research. Because individual experiences vary substantially due to illness visibility, knowledge of the condition, the body systems involved, and quality of life, there is substantial heterogeneity in the needs and issues faced by such patients in these environments. As a result, it is essential to consider the impacts of both outpatient and home care complexities on individuals with chronic illnesses and on those surrounding them. This panel will provide attendees with information related to patient experience, caregivers and healthcare workers, systems and design, and Human Factors research guidance.

Moderators