Evaluation of comprehensive care for older adults in primary care services

Access of older people to primary health care in low and middle-income countries: A systematic scoping review

INTRODUCTION

Ensuring access for older people to Primary Health Care (PHC) is vital to achieve universal health coverage, improve health outcomes, and health-system performance. However, older people living in Low-and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) face barriers constraining their timely access to appropriate care. This review aims to summarize the nature and breadth of literature examining older people's experiences with access to PHC in LMICs, and access barriers and enablers.

METHODS

Guided by Arksey and O'Malley's framework, four databases [CINAHL, Cochrane, PubMed, and Embase] were systematically searched for all types of peer-reviewed articles published between 2002 and 2023, in any language but with English or French abstract. Gray literature presenting empirical data was also included by searching the United Nations, World Health Organization, and HelpAge websites. Data were independently screened and extracted.

RESULTS

Of 1165 identified records, 30 are included. Data were generated mostly in Brazil (50%) and through studies adopting quantitative designs (80%). Older people's experiences varied across countries and were shaped by several access barriers and enablers classified according to the Patient-Centered Access to Healthcare framework, featuring the characteristics of the care delivery system at the supply side and older people's attributes from the demand side. The review identifies that most access barriers and enablers pertain to the availability and accommodation dimension, followed by the appropriateness, affordability, acceptability, and approachability of services. Socio-economic level and need perception were the most reported characteristics that affected older people's access to PHC.

CONCLUSIONS

Older people's experiences with PHC access varied according to local contexts, socioeconomic variables, and the provision of public or private health services. Results inform policymakers and PHC practitioners to generate policies and services that are evidence-based and responsive to older people's needs. Identified knowledge gaps highlight the need for research to further understand older people's access to PHC in different LMICs.

Primary health care organization in municipalities of São Paulo, Brazil: a model of care aligned with the Brazilian Unified National Health System's guidelines

This study analyzes the main organization patterns used by primary health care (PHC) services in municipal networks and evaluates them according to indicators of local management-administration interface. Evaluative research analyzed 461 municipalities in São Paulo, Brazil, that participated in the Primary Care Services Quality Assessment Survey (QualiAB) in 2017/2018, classified according to the organizational arrangements composition of 2,472 PHC services. Eight indicators of local management and administration were selected to evaluate the identified patterns. Results indicate two groups of municipalities: homogeneous, with services presenting the same arrangement (43.6%); and heterogeneous, with different arrangements (56.4%). These were subdivided into seven patterns that ranged from homogeneous-traditional, homogeneous-Family Health Strategy, homogeneous-mixed, and different combinations in the heterogeneous group. All indicators showed significant differences between groups (p < 0.001), especially the homogeneous-traditional group, which presented an organizational pattern far from the desired model of a comprehensive and problem-solving PHC. Those integrated with family health units (FHU) and basic health units with community health workers and/or family health teams (BHU/FHU) showed a pattern closer to a comprehensive model - with planning and evaluation actions committed to the local reality and qualification of care. Implementation of federal and state policies are essential for defining the PHC health care model adopted by municipalities.

Congenital syphilis: performance of primary care services in São Paulo, 2017

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate congenital syphilis prevention actions in primary health care services in the state of São Paulo.

METHODS

Cross-sectional evaluative research that used indicators extracted from the Survey of Evaluation and Monitoring of Primary Care Services ( Avaliação e Monitoramento de Serviços da Atenção Básica - QualiAB) in the state of São Paulo in 2017. An evaluative matrix composed of 31 indicators of prevention of congenital syphilis, categorized into four domains of analysis: diagnosis and treatment of acquired syphilis (10); basic infrastructure and resources (7); prevention of congenital syphilis during prenatal care (7); and educational actions and prevention of sexually transmitted infections (7). The frequency of services with positive responses for each indicator and the percentage of service performance were calculated based on the proportion of indicators reported per service and the overall average observed. Subsequently, services were classified into four quality groups, and associations between groups and each indicator, type of organizational arrangement and location were estimated.

RESULTS

2,565 services participated, located in 503 municipalities, with an overall average performance of 74.9%. The domain "diagnosis and treatment of acquired syphilis" had the highest performance (89.8%), followed by "infrastructure and basic resources" (79.5%), "prevention of congenital syphilis in prenatal care" (73.3%) and "educational actions and prevention of sexually transmitted infections" (56.8%). There was a significant difference between quality groups and all indicators and types of organizational arrangements.

CONCLUSIONS

The evaluated services have limitations in the development of actions to prevent congenital syphilis, mainly related to health education and actions included in prenatal care, such as screening and adequate treatment of pregnant women and their partners. Changes are needed in the work process, with the expansion of educational and surveillance actions, as well as the qualification of the teams to effectively comply with the protocols.

Greater Care Program in the face of the challenges of aging: a qualitative analysis

OBJECTIVE

To understand the perception of different actors involved in the older adults care process in the intersectoral strategy of the Programa Maior Cuidado (PMC - Greater Care Program), aiming at the development of actions that contribute to the improvement of the services provided.

METHODS

Eleven qualitative interviews guided by a semi-structured script were conducted in 2020 with key informants directly involved in the PMC: the older adults and their families, caregivers, health professionals and social assistance. In addition, to understand the functioning and proposals of the PMC, a documentary analysis was also carried out with the tracking of existing information on the guidelines, protocols, and management instruments. The content analysis technique was used to classify textual data, and the interpretation process was mediated by the theoretical-methodological framework of hermeneutic anthropology.

RESULTS

Two categories were identified: "Repercussions of the care offered by the PMC: the 'little' that makes a difference" and "Problems beyond the PMC: the limits of family care in the face of violence against the older adults". For all interviewees, the perception the PMC is very necessary is unison, being able to minimize the occurrence of health problems and avoid transfers of the older adults to hospitals and Long Stay Institutions for the Elderly (Instituição de Longa Permanência - ILPI in Portuguese). Chronic comorbidities increase the demands of health care and generate situations that can be managed by the PMC caregiver. Population aging requires the planning of strategies and public policies aimed at providing continuous care for the older adults, including those living in communities. The PMC emerges as an intersectoral alternative to assist in this issue.

CONCLUSIONS

The PMC can be considered a good practice model to be expanded to other locations, however there are gaps that need to be rediscussed so that its processes are improved and its results enhanced.

Performance assessment of primary health care facilities in Brazil: Concordance between web-based questionnaire and in-person interviews with health personnel

This study is a concordance analysis comparing answers to two external assessment tools for Primary Health Care (PHC) facilities that use two different data collection methodologies: (a) external assessment through structured interviews and direct observation of facilities conducted by the National Program for Improvement of Access and Quality of Primary Care (AE-PMAQ-AB), and (b) a computerized web-based self-administered questionnaire for Assessment of the Quality of Primary Health Care Services (QualiAB). The two surveys were answered by 1,898 facilities located in 437 municipalities in the state of São Paulo, Brazil, between 2017 and 2018. Both surveys aimed to assess the management and organization of PHC facilities. A total of 158 equivalent questions were identified. The answers were grouped by thematic similarity into nine domains: Territory characteristics; Local management and external support; Structure; Health promotion, disease prevention, and therapeutic procedures; Attention to unscheduled patients; Women's health; Children's health; Attention to chronic conditions; and Oral health. The results show a high level of concordance between the answers, with 81% of the 158 compared questions showing concordance higher than 0.700. We showed that the information obtained by the web-based survey QualiAB was comparable to that of the structured interview-based AE-PMAQ-AB, which is considered the gold standard. This is important because web-based surveys are more practical and convenient, and do not require trained interviewers. Online assessment surveys can allow immediate access to answers, reports and guidelines for each evaluated facility, as provided by the QualiAB system. In this way, the answers to this type of survey can be directly employed by users, allowing the assessment to fulfill all phases of an assessment process.

A percepção do usuário idoso sobre o acesso e a qualidade da Atenção Primária à Saúde

Introdução: O envelhecimento populacional brasileiro já repercute na Atenção Primária à Saúde. Objetivo: Avaliar a percepção dos idosos quanto ao acesso e à qualidade da atenção em Bambuí, Minas Gerais. Métodos: Esta pesquisa tem abordagem qualitativa. O modelo dos signos, significados e ações foi utilizado na coleta e análise dos dados. Foram realizadas entrevistas nos domicílios, cuja escolha baseou-se em critérios para garantir a heterogeneidade dos participantes. Resultados: A análise fundamentou-se na perspectiva êmica. Nela, emergiram elementos que compõem a percepção do usuário idoso acerca da implantação e da consolidação do Sistema Único de Saúde e da Estratégia Saúde da Família local na categoria ― Desafios da Atenção Primária à Saúde na percepção do usuário idoso. Observou-se na percepção dos idosos, o serviço público evoluiu para melhor, porém ainda persistem dificuldades de acesso e a insatisfação de alguns com a qualidade do serviço, o que os leva à busca pela atenção secundária, pela urgência e pela medicina privada. Conclusões: Os achados demonstram que na percepção dos idosos a implantação da Estratégia Saúde da Família foi positiva, porém a atenção primária em saúde ainda pode ser melhorada.

Chronic non-communicable diseases considering sociodemographic determinants in a cohort of older adults

Abstract Objective To analyze the differences between the proportions of chronic non-communicable diseases (CNCDs) at two time periods, in a cohort of older adults, based on sociodemographic determinants. Method This is a retrospective longitudinal study with baseline data obtained in 2008-2009 and follow-up in 2016-2017, from the FIBRA Study. The McNemar test was used to compare the frequencies of CNCDs according to sex, age, and education, with a significance level of 5% (p<0.05). Results The sample consisted of 453 older adults (mean age 72±5.2 years old; 69.4% women). There was an increase in the proportions of arterial hypertension (64.4% versus 71.1%) and diabetes mellitus (21.9% versus 27.5%) in the periods studied, and a reduction in rheumatologic disease (43.6% versus 35.8%) and depression (21.7% versus 15.7%). Hypertension increased in older women, in those aged 65-74 years old and those with low education levels. Diabetes increased in older men, in those over 65 years of age and those with low education levels. A reduction in the proportions of rheumatologic diseases and depression was observed in women, in those aged 65-74 years old and those with low education levels. Conclusion The data reflect the need to understand the sociodemographic health determinants involved in the health-disease-care process to reduce social inequities and the burden of CNCDs in the most vulnerable population segments, especially in the older adult population with multimorbidity.

Doenças crônicas não transmissíveis considerando determinantes sociodemográficos em coorte de idosos

Resumo Objetivo Analisar as diferenças entre as proporções de doenças crônicas não transmissíveis (DCNT), em dois momentos, em uma coorte de idosos a partir de determinantes sociodemográficos. Método Trata-se de estudo longitudinal retrospectivo com dados obtidos do Estudo FIBRA linha de base (2008-2009) e seguimento (2016-2017). O teste de McNemar foi utilizado para comparar as frequências de DCNT segundo sexo, idade e escolaridade, com nível de significância de 5% (p<0,05). Resultados A amostra foi composta por 453 idosos (idade média 72±5,2 anos; 69,4% do sexo feminino). Observou-se aumento nas proporções de hipertensão arterial (64,4% versus 71,1%) e diabetes mellitus (21,9% versus 27,5%) no período estudado, e redução nas de doença reumatológica (43,6% versus 35,8%) e depressão (21,7% versus 15,7%). A hipertensão aumentou no sexo feminino, e nos idosos com 65-74 anos e com baixa escolaridade; o diabetes aumentou nos idosos do sexo masculino e nos indivíduos com idade acima de 65 anos e com baixa escolaridade; observou-se redução das proporções de doenças reumatológicas e de depressão no decorrer do estudo nas mulheres, naqueles com 65-74 anos de idade e com nível mais baixo de escolaridade. Conclusão Os dados refletem a necessidade de compreensão dos determinantes sociodemográficos de saúde envolvidos no processo saúde-doença-cuidado para a redução de iniquidades sociais e da carga de DCNT nos segmentos populacionais mais vulneráveis, especialmente na população idosa com multimorbidade.

The Role of Primary Health Care Toward Healthy Aging

Background: According to the World Health Organization, healthy aging is the process of developing and maintaining functional abilities that make the elderly happy. The increase in the elderly population requires more attention. In particular, health services at the primary health care level face problems related to the limited capacity of overall health services, especially in terms of health promotion and preventive health issues. It is necessary to improve the quality of health care services for the elderly to prevent greater health problems among the elderly population.Objectives: Understand the need to provide holistic health services for healthy aging and use their capabilities, and strengthen cooperation among health professionals in achieving healthy aging.Discusion: Primary health care is pointed out that primary health care should provide comprehensive services in a holistic manner to support a healthy aging process. Therefore, a well-structured, integrated, and cross-industry collaborative primary care system is needed. The system should include changes in professional behavior, coordination of care, and participation of patients' families and communities in comprehensive health care. This can be achieved through inter-professional education, continuous training and education of primary health care professionals, as well as primary health care services and cross-level health care technology innovation.Conclusions: Healthy aging is not just the absence of disease. Everyone in health and social care at all levels can play a role to help improve healthy aging. To make the elderly healthy, starting from the prevention of young health problems, it requires collaboration between health workers, primary health care and other health service levels, and health care that cooperates with patients, families, and communities.Keywords: healthy aging, primary care, preventive, health worker

Health care strategies in long-term care facilities in Bahia State, Brazil

OBJECTIVE: To describe health care strategies for older people living in long-term care facilities (LTCFs) in Bahia state, Brazil. METHODS: This is an ecological study involving LTCFs identified in Bahia state, which were invited to participate in a survey conducted between April and June 2021. The variables of interest were LTCF characteristics, health care strategies, visits received from national public health system (SUS, in Portuguese) teams, and health care actions taken by SUS. A comparative analysis was performed between LTCFs located in the East macro-region and other parts of the state, in general and also stratified by funding type (private and non-private). RESULTS: The sample consisted of 177 LTCFs, more than half of them were located in the East macro-region, seat of the state capital. Most facilities declared themselves as non-private (68%). Less than one-third of the LTCFs had their own health teams. Although 67% of LTCFs reported some health care provided by SUS, only 49% reported clinical consultations, with even lower percentages for other SUS actions, except for vaccination (91%). The East macro-region had a lower percentage of LTCFs accompanied by a SUS team, and the highest percentage of LTCFs with supplementary health insurance. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows the limited access of LTCF residents to essential health services, due to a general neglect of this population by public health care providers. The inadequacy of public policies to support LTCFs has important consequences for the quality of care offered to residents.

EDUCATIONAL AND CARE-RELATED DIALOGICAL PATHWAY ON ACTIVE AGING WITH FAMILY HEALTH STRATEGY PROFESSIONALS

ABSTRACT Objective: to disclose knowledge and practices related to active aging based on the educational and care-related dialogical proposal with professionals from the Family Health Strategy. Method: a convergent care research developed with professionals from the Family Health Strategy, in a municipality in the Central North area of Paraná-Brazil. Data was collected through interviews with 14 professionals with an average duration of 12 minutes followed by a Culture Circle with four professionals and a duration of 59 minutes, following the educational stages of the same, namely: investigation, thematization and disclosure. The premises of Freire's dialogicity were used as a theoretical framework. Results: the data show that professionals have different conceptions about aging, distinct ways of conceptualizing active aging, and scarcity of systematization for the care of the robust elderly. These findings were the basis for the dialogical educational design that allowed to transform and build new knowledge on the theme. Conclusion: the educational and care-related dialogical pathway allowed the collective definition of aging and the understanding of active aging, thus making it possible to advance towards the promotion of comprehensive care for the elderly. The convergent care research approach is shown to be effective for studies of an educational dialogic nature due to its insertion in the context of study and collective construction based on reality.