HOLISTIC FAMILY MEDICINE APPROACH IN ELDERLY PATIENTS WITH NONCOMMUNICABLE DISEASES (NCD)

Abstract

Family medicine plays a crucial role in managing elderly patients with complex and long-term non-communicable diseases. This study aimed to describe the implementation of a holistic family medicine approach in an elderly patient with hypertension and post-cataract surgery within the family and community context. A descriptive primary care–based study was conducted through home visits, including comprehensive interviews using holistic medical records, assessment of illness experience, family assessment tools (genogram, family structure, family life cycle, family map, Family APGAR, and SCREEM), complete physical examination, limited supporting examinations, and evaluation of home environment and clean and healthy living behaviors. Interventions were implemented based on patient-centered care, family-focused care, and community-oriented primary care principles through education, monitoring, and follow-up planning. The results showed that the patient had mild hypertension with metabolic risk and visual impairment after cataract surgery, accompanied by improved illness experience due to strong family support. Family function was classified as highly functional based on the Family APGAR score, which played a significant role in treatment adherence and psychological adaptation. The home environment was relatively supportive, although several clean and healthy living behavior indicators were not optimally met. In conclusion, a holistic and continuous family medicine approach provides a comprehensive understanding of elderly patient health conditions and serves as a foundation for contextual, effective, and quality-of-life–oriented interventions.