A carregar...
Publicação
Boas práticas de prevenção de quedas em estruturas residenciais para pessoas idosas.
| Nome: | Descrição: | Tamanho: | Formato: | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.01 MB | Adobe PDF |
Resumo(s)
A prevenção de quedas em idosos institucionalizados é uma temática de elevada relevância, considerando a vulnerabilidade desta população e o impacto significativo destes eventos na sua qualidade de vida e na sobrecarga dos sistemas de saúde. A presente investigação procurou responder à questão: “Qual é o impacto das competências dos cuidadores formais não qualificados na implementação e eficácia das estratégias de prevenção de quedas em Estruturas Residenciais para Pessoas Idosas (ERPI)?”.
Neste sentido, analisou-se o nível de conhecimento dos cuidadores relativamente aos fatores de risco e às estratégias de prevenção adotadas nas instituições, bem como a existência e frequência de formação específica nesta área. Pretendeu-se ainda identificar as estratégias de prevenção efetivamente aplicadas nas ERPI em Portugal, e determinar quais são mais frequentemente utilizadas na prática.
A amostra foi constituída por 103 diretores técnicos e 101 colaboradores, tendo sido aplicados dois questionários distintos dirigidos a cada grupo. A análise estatística foi realizada com recurso ao programa SPSS (versão 20.0), utilizando estatística descritiva e inferencial.
Os resultados indicaram que o número médio de quedas por número de utentes foi superior nas instituições com protocolo formal de prevenção, embora a diferença não tenha sido estatisticamente significativa (p = 0,462). A correlação entre o número de profissionais de saúde e o número de quedas também não foi significativa. A presença de fisioterapeuta a tempo integral revelou-se estatisticamente associada a uma menor média de quedas por utente (p = 0,035), sugerindo um possível efeito protetor decorrente da sua atuação regular.
Relativamente à formação dos cuidadores, observou-se que apenas duas das questões de avaliação apresentaram associação estatisticamente significativa com a formação, indicando um impacto limitado. Este resultado aponta para possíveis fragilidades na eficácia, abrangência ou aplicação prática da formação recebida nesta área.
Abstract: Fall prevention in institutionalized older adults is a highly relevant topic, given the vulnerability of this population and the significant impact of such events on their quality of life, as well as on the burden placed on healthcare systems. This study aimed to answer the following research question: "What is the impact of the competencies of unqualified formal caregivers on the implementation and effectiveness of fall prevention strategies in Residential Care Facilities for Older People?" In this context, the level of caregivers’ knowledge regarding risk factors and fall prevention strategies adopted in institutions was analyzed, as well as the existence and frequency of specific training in this area. Additionally, the study sought to identify the fall prevention strategies applied in Residential Care Facilities for Older People in Portugal and determine which are most frequently used in practice. The sample consisted of 103 technical directors and 101 staff members, using two distinct questionnaires designed for each group. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software (version 20.0), through descriptive and inferential statistics. The results indicated that the average number of falls per resident was higher in institutions with a formal fall prevention protocol, although the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0,462). The correlation between the number of healthcare professionals and the number of falls was also not significant. The presence of a full-time physiotherapist was statistically associated with a lower average number of falls per resident (p = 0,035), suggesting a potential protective effect resulting from their regular involvement. Regarding caregiver training, only two of the evaluation questions showed a statistically significant association with training, indicating a limited impact. This result highlights potential weaknesses in the effectiveness, scope, or practical application of the training received in this area.
Abstract: Fall prevention in institutionalized older adults is a highly relevant topic, given the vulnerability of this population and the significant impact of such events on their quality of life, as well as on the burden placed on healthcare systems. This study aimed to answer the following research question: "What is the impact of the competencies of unqualified formal caregivers on the implementation and effectiveness of fall prevention strategies in Residential Care Facilities for Older People?" In this context, the level of caregivers’ knowledge regarding risk factors and fall prevention strategies adopted in institutions was analyzed, as well as the existence and frequency of specific training in this area. Additionally, the study sought to identify the fall prevention strategies applied in Residential Care Facilities for Older People in Portugal and determine which are most frequently used in practice. The sample consisted of 103 technical directors and 101 staff members, using two distinct questionnaires designed for each group. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software (version 20.0), through descriptive and inferential statistics. The results indicated that the average number of falls per resident was higher in institutions with a formal fall prevention protocol, although the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0,462). The correlation between the number of healthcare professionals and the number of falls was also not significant. The presence of a full-time physiotherapist was statistically associated with a lower average number of falls per resident (p = 0,035), suggesting a potential protective effect resulting from their regular involvement. Regarding caregiver training, only two of the evaluation questions showed a statistically significant association with training, indicating a limited impact. This result highlights potential weaknesses in the effectiveness, scope, or practical application of the training received in this area.
Descrição
Trabalho de Projeto apresentado à Escola Superior de Educação do Instituto Politécnico de Castelo Branco para cumprimento dos requisitos necessários à obtenção do grau de Mestre em Gerontologia Social.
Palavras-chave
Idosos Prevenção de quedas Protocolo de prevenção Cuidadores formais Older adults Fall prevention Prevention protocol Formal caregivers