Can we bridge the gap between goals and practice through a common vision? A study of politicians and managers' understanding of the provisions of elderly care services.

The objective of this study was to identify and describe how local politicians and managers experience and understand problems and goals regarding the structures and processes involved in the care of the elderly. Qualitative methodology of a conceptual modelling workshop was used. Participants were health care politicians, local municipal politicians, and executive care managers. The main result was that all participants agreed on four key visions for the health care of the elderly: see the person, see the individual's resources, see the encounter, and see yourself. Other findings indicated that (a) care of older persons was governed by diverse interests, (b) the organisation lacked clear leadership and comprehensive goals, (c) the organisation was fragmented, and (d) there was a lack of skilled staff members to meet patient needs. Older persons were regarded as passive receivers of care or as objects that did not take an active part in health care decisions that affect them.