Feasibility and acceptability of the Health Assessment Tool (HAT) in Swedish primary care: insights into older patients’ needs and professional perspectives

BACKGROUND: The Health Assessment Tool (HAT) is a validated instrument designed to comprehensively assess the health of older adults. This study examinedthe feasibility and acceptability of implementing the HAT in Swedish primary care, while exploring older patients' needs and professional perspectives, drawing on experiences from a multicenter prospective validation study. METHODS: A qualitative design was employed using reflexive thematic analysis. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with patients and healthcare managers, and a focus group discussion with healthcare staff familiarized with the HAT in six Swedish primary care centers. Analysis followed Braun and Clarke's six-phase thematic approach, integrating inductive and deductive reasoning. RESULTS: '. Findings revealed challenges for older adults, including rapid health decline, loss of independence, loneliness, and gaps in primary care. The HAT was positively received for its comprehensive, person-centered approach, despite some concerns regarding time required for its assessment. CONCLUSIONS: The HAT was perceived as feasible and acceptable by older patients and healthcare providers, with the potential to transform care of older adults through proactive, holistic assessments. Its use may foster collaboration between health and social care professionals, a key prerequisite for meeting the complex needs of older people. Future research should evaluate a HAT-based model to support its integration into routine primary care.