Cuidados de transição à pessoa idosa com demência de Alzheimer na ótica do agente comunitário de saúde

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: to describe how care transitions are managed for elderly people living in the community with dementia from the perspective of community health workers. METHODOLOGY: this is a course completion project, a segment of the umbrella research entitled: "Transitional care for elderly people/families living in the community after the onset of dementia." A qualitative, multicenter study was conducted using Robert Yin's single case study, guided by Afaf Meleis's Theory of Transitions. The study subjects were community health workers from four primary health care units in a municipality in the Zona da Mata region of Minas Gerais. Data sources included a structured questionnaire for professional characterization, a questionnaire with open-ended questions about the research topic, and non-participant observation. Data analysis was performed using PyLogos®. RESULTS: 19 community health workers participated in the study. It was observed that transitional care exists, but is not systematized. Facilitating factors for the transition included: network flow; The factors contributing to the development of a positive work environment were: bonding, professional self-concept, ease of access, and support from the interdisciplinary team. Inhibiting factors included: user resistance to adopting new habits; lack of training and application of guidelines; social stigma regarding the agent's role; shortage of professionals, high demand, feelings of powerlessness, and lack of boundaries between professional activity and personal life. The support network presented itself as both a facilitating and inhibitors factor. The use of soft and semi-hard technology predominated in the care offered by community health agents. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: permanent health education for community health workers is necessary to promote the implementation of transitional care in a structured, instrumental, and accessible manner, maximizing the results of comprehensive health care.