Challenges to the operation of Brazilian LTCIs and changes in oversight.

BACKGROUND: Despite 18 years since health surveillance regulations were promulgated in Brazil to govern Long-Term Care Institutions for Older Adults (LTCIs), many institutions fail to comply with the Differentiated Regime for Public Procurement (Resolution No. 502/2021) due to structural and operational conditions. This study aimed to investigate Brazilian LTCI managers' understanding of challenges that significantly impact institutional operation and gather suggestions for enhancing RDC No. 502/21. METHODS: A cross-sectional, exploratory, and qualitative study was conducted, involving 90 managers or technical supervisors from Brazilian LTCIs. Data were collected using a self-administered Google Forms instrument and analyzed through Thematic Analysis based on the Organizing for Quality (OQ) framework. RESULTS: The most impactful challenges for LTCIs were healthcare, financing, human resources, relationship with oversight bodies, and family members. DISCUSSION: Proposed improvements for RDC No. 502/21 included enhanced professional training, infrastructure revision, increased financial support from the state, realistic oversight/regulations, and tailored monitoring approaches. CONCLUSION: LTCIs in Brazil face numerous challenges, and the suggested improvements aim to adapt regulations to institutional realities. However, considering the regulations' variability and purposes, further investigation is warranted.

Manejo del cáncer de mama en tiempos de pandemia COVID-19: experiencia local / Management of breast cancer in COVID-19 pandemic: a local experience

La pandemia por COVID-19 ha generado un estancamiento mundial en la atención y resolución de todas las patologías graves y crónicas, debido al colapso de los sistemas de salud, a la dificultad de consulta, dada por la disminución de movilidad de las personas, por las cuarentenas establecidas y también por el temor de los pacientes al contagio en los centros de salud. Los enfermos oncológicos han visto canceladas sus atenciones, suspendidos o postergado sus tratamientos y diferidas sus cirugías. Esto no ha sido ajeno a las pacientes con cáncer de mama. En el presente trabajo, se reporta la experiencia de una Unidad de Patología Mamaria de un hospital público de Santiago de Chile y de las acciones realizadas para mantener la continuidad de atención en una comuna con una alta tasa de infección por SARS-CoV-2.

The COVID-19 pandemic has generated a global stagnation in the care and medical treatment of serious and chronic illnesses due to the collapse of the health systems, the difficulty of consulting due to decreased mobility caused by forced quarantines and also because of the fear of infection when attending a health center. Cancer patients have had their medical appointments canceled, their treatments suspended or postponed, and their surgeries delayed. Breast cancer patients have not been the exception. We report the experience of a Breast Pathology Unit of a public hospital in Santiago of Chile, and the actions carried out to maintain continuity of care in a community with a high infection rate of SARS-CoV-2.

Humanitude in the humanization of elderly care: experience reports in a health service.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the experience in the implementation of the Humanitude Care Methodology (MCH) in the humanization of care for the elderly. METHODOLOGY: This is an experience report about the implementation of the MCH, in a Health Service in Portugal, with capacity for 30 elderly people, most of them having cognitive alterations. RESULTS: The implementation of the MCH has shown positive results in the humanization of care for the elderly, namely in the reduction of agitation behaviors and better acceptance of care. There was a change in organizational culture, more focused on the person and on the humanization of care. CONCLUSION: The results reflect the need to introduce innovative care methodologies in the training of health professionals, with a focus on interaction, for a professionalized relational care that dignifies the person cared for and the care giver.

Humanitude in the humanization of elderly care: experience reports in a health service / Humanitude en la humanización de la asistencia a ancianos: un relato de experiencia desde un servicio de salud / Humanitude na humanização da assistência a idosos: relato de experiência em um serviço de saúde

ABSTRACT Objective: To describe the experience in the implementation of the Humanitude Care Methodology (MCH) in the humanization of care for the elderly. Methodology: This is an experience report about the implementation of the MCH, in a Health Service in Portugal, with capacity for 30 elderly people, most of them having cognitive alterations. Results: The implementation of the MCH has shown positive results in the humanization of care for the elderly, namely in the reduction of agitation behaviors and better acceptance of care. There was a change in organizational culture, more focused on the person and on the humanization of care. Conclusion: The results reflect the need to introduce innovative care methodologies in the training of health professionals, with a focus on interaction, for a professionalized relational care that dignifies the person cared for and the care giver.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Describir la experiencia de los profesionales de salud en la implementación de la Metodología de Cuidado Humanitude (MCH) con personas mayores. Método: Se trata de un relato de experiencia sobre la aplicación de la MCH en un servicio de salud en Portugal, con capacidad para 30 personas ancianas, la mayoría con alteraciones cognitivas. Resultados: La implementación de la MCH demostró resultados positivos en la humanización de la asistencia a los ancianos, en particular en la reducción de los comportamientos de agitación y mejor aceptación del cuidado. Se verificó un cambio en la cultura organizacional, más enfocada en la persona y en la humanización de la asistencia. Conclusión: Los resultados apuntan la necesidad de introducir metodologías de cuidado innovadoras en la formación de los profesionales de salud, con enfoque en la interacción, para un cuidado relacional profesionalizado que dignifique a la persona cuidada y a los cuidadores.

RESUMO Objetivo: Relatar a experiência vivida durante a implementação da Metodologia de Cuidado Humanitude na humanização da assistência a idosos. Métodos: Trata-se de um relato de experiência sobre a implementação da Metodologia de Cuidado Humanitude em um Serviço de Saúde, em Portugal, com lotação para 30 idosos, tendo a maioria alterações cognitivas. Resultados: A implementação da Metodologia de Cuidado Humanitude demonstrou resultados positivos na humanização da assistência aos idosos, nomeadamente na redução dos comportamentos de agitação e melhor aceitação do cuidado. Verificou-se mudança na cultura organizacional, mais focada na pessoa e na humanização da assistência. Conclusão: Os resultados refletem a necessidade de introduzir metodologias de cuidado inovadoras na formação dos profissionais de saúde, com foco na interação, para um cuidado relacional profissionalizado que dignifique a pessoa cuidada e quem cuida.

Prevalence of Skin Tears in Elderly Patients: A Retrospective Chart Review of Incidence Reports in 6 Long-term Care Facilities.

The incidence and prevalence of skin tears in long-term care (LTC) facilities has not been well established. To ascertain the point prevalence of reported skin tears, a retrospective review of incident reports was performed in 6 LTC facilities in western Pennsylvania from November 1, 2016 through December 31, 2016. Report data, including resident age; gender; mobility limitations; skin tear location, number, and cause (if known); occurrence time (7 am to 3 pm, 3 pm to 11 pm, or 11 pm to 7 am nursing shift); and history of previous skin tears, were abstracted. All data were entered into a statistical analysis program and analyzed using descriptive statistics. Period prevalence was used to determine prevalence rate; an independent t test was used to compare the presence of skin tears between genders. Differences between location and cause of skin tears were evaluated using a multinomial test of related proportions. A test of proportions was used to evaluate skin tear occurrence time (nursing shift) differences. The overall point prevalence rate was 9% (N = 1253 residents) ranging from 6 to 28 skin tears per facility. The average age of residents with a skin tear (n = 119) was 83.5 years. The majority (111, 93%) had mobility limitations. Falls accounted for 38 skin tears (31.9%), followed by propelling in a wheelchair (18, 15.1%; X2 =7.14; P = .008). Forearm skin tears (37, 31.1%) occurred significantly more frequently than lower leg skin tears (19, 16%; P = .016). Significantly more skin tears occurred during the 7 am to 3 pm shift (47, 39.5%) and 3 pm to 11 pm shift (49, 41.2%) than during the 11 pm to 7 am shift (23, 19.3%; X2 = 5.78; P <.01). The results of this study confirm skin tears are a significant problem among elderly residents in LTC, especially because the reported rate is likely lower than the actual rate. Research to further elucidate the incidence and prevalence of skin tears and associated risk factors is needed to help develop evidence-based risk assessment, classification systems, treatment guidelines, and preventive measures.

Gerontological contributions to the care of elderly people in long-term care facilities.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze Brazilian scientific productions from the last 11 years which show the contributions of nursing to elderly people in long-term care facilities. METHOD: This is an integrative literature review. The search took place in the Virtual Health Library (VHL) in the BDENF and LILACS databases and the SCIELO virtual library, between June and October 2016, using the keyword long-term care facility and the descriptors nursing and geriatrics. RESULTS: Eleven studies were selected, published 2005 and 2016, with various methodological approaches that enabled discussion of the proposed objective. CONCLUSION: The contributions of nursing to institutionalized elderly people were linked to health promotion measures, as well as simple interventions, such as listening, interacting, offering recreation and helping in psychoaffective relationships. These activities contributed to raising the self-esteem of the individuals.

Gerontological contributions to the care of elderly people in long-term care facilities / Contribuciones gerontológicas para la atención de personas mayores en hogares para ancianos / Contribuições gerontológicas para assistência de idosos em instituição de longa permanência

ABSTRACT Objective: To analyze Brazilian scientific productions from the last 11 years which show the contributions of nursing to elderly people in long-term care facilities. Method: This is an integrative literature review. The search took place in the Virtual Health Library (VHL) in the BDENF and LILACS databases and the SCIELO virtual library, between June and October 2016, using the keyword long-term care facility and the descriptors nursing and geriatrics. Results: Eleven studies were selected, published 2005 and 2016, with various methodological approaches that enabled discussion of the proposed objective. Conclusion: The contributions of nursing to institutionalized elderly people were linked to health promotion measures, as well as simple interventions, such as listening, interacting, offering recreation and helping in psychoaffective relationships. These activities contributed to raising the self-esteem of the individuals.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Analizar producciones científicas brasileñas de los últimos once años que demuestran las contribuciones de enfermería a los ancianos en hogares para ancianos. Método: Revisión integrativa de literatura. Búsqueda realizada en Biblioteca Virtual de Salud (BVS), en las bases BDENF, LILACS y en la biblioteca virtual SCIELO, entre junio y octubre de 2016, utilizando las palabras clave Hogares para Ancianos y los descriptores enfermería y geriatría. Resultados: Fueron seleccionados 11 estudios publicados entre 2005 y 2016, con diversos abordajes metodológicos que permitieron discutir el objetivo propuesto. Conclusión: Las contribuciones de Enfermería al anciano institucionalizado están sujetas a las medidas de promoción de salud, así como a las intervenciones simples, como oír, interactuar, ofrecer entretenimiento y ayudar en las relaciones psicoafectivas, siendo que dichas conductas permiten el aumento de la autoestima del individuo.

RESUMO Objetivo: analisar produções científicas brasileiras dos últimos onze anos que demonstram as contribuições da Enfermagem aos idosos em instituições de longa permanência. Método: trata-se de uma revisão integrativa de literatura. A busca ocorreu na biblioteca virtual da saúde (BVS), nas bases BDENF, LILACS e na biblioteca virtual SCIELO, entre junho e outubro de 2016, utilizando-se as palavras-chave Instituição de Longa Permanência e os descritores enfermagem e geriatria. Resultados: foram selecionados 11 estudos publicados entre 2005 e 2016, com diversas abordagens metodológicas que permitiram a discussão do objetivo proposto. Conclusão: as contribuições da enfermagem ao idoso institucionalizado encontram-se atreladas às medidas de promoção à saúde, bem como às intervenções simples, como ouvir, interagir, ofertar entretenimento e ajudar nas relações psicoafetivas, sendo que essas condutas contribuem para o aumento da autoestima do indivíduo.

[Long-term informal care in Spain: challenges, views and solutions]. / Cuidados informales de larga duración en España: retos, miradas y soluciones.

Caring for chronic illnesses at all ages represents a growing social and public health problem. Due to insufficient public coverage in Spain, around 80% of long-term care is provided by the sick person's social network. Based in ethnographic research on chronicity carried out between 2009 and 2013 in Spain, this article analyzes the problem of long-term informal care for middle-aged adults with chronic diseases. The results highlight the factors that condition, enhance or limit informal care: the personal, domestic and family situation of the sick person; the cyclical course of chronic diseases; and the social response to illness. The limitations of the informal care model suggest the need to listen to the voices of those affected in order to understand their real needs and adapt official programs oriented towards chronicity accordingly.

Falls in institutionalized older adults: risks, consequences and antecedents.

OBJECTIVE:: To analyze the occurrence of falls in institutionalized elderly addressing the risks, consequences and antecedents. METHOD:: Cross-sectional study carried out with 45 older adults in Long-Term Care Facilities for the Older adult in João Pessoa, Brazil, in June and July 2016. A socio-demographic questionnaire and the Berg Balance Scale were applied, classifying as risk of fall scores lower than 45. Descriptive statistics and tests were conducted: independent t-test, Anova (Tukey), Chi-square, Mann Whitney. Statistically significance was p <0.05. Data were processed in SPSS version 19.0. RESULTS:: A total of 66.7% (30) falls occurred, 20% (9) of them in the external area, with 66.7% (30) of the participants having hypertension as a previous disease and, as consequence, the fracture was highlighted with 11.2% (5). The Berg Scale had different scores when compared to the falls suffered by the elderly and previous diseases influenced the occurrence of falls (p <0.05). CONCLUSION:: It is necessary to implement public financing policies or partnerships that allow environments adaptations aiming at reducing the risks of falls. OBJETIVO:: Analisar a ocorrência de quedas em idosos institucionalizados quanto aos riscos, consequências e antecedentes. MÉTODO:: Estudo transversal, realizado com 45 idosos em Instituições de Longa Permanência para Idosos em João Pessoa/PB, Brasil, em junho e julho de 2016. Aplicou-se questionário sociodemográfico e Escala de Equilíbrio de Berg classificando risco de quedas quando escore inferior a 45. Realizou-se estatística descritiva e testes: t independente, Anova (Tukey), Qui-quadrado, Mann Whitney. Considerado significativamente estatístico p < 0,05 e processados no SPSS versão 19.0. RESULTADOS:: As quedas ocorreram em 66,7% (30), sendo 20% (9) na área externa, 66,7% (30) com doença prévia hipertensão e como consequência destacou-se fratura com 11,2% (5). A Escala de Berg avaliou pontuações diferentes (p < 0,05) quando comparadas às quedas sofridas pelos idosos, e as doenças prévias influenciaram ocorrência de quedas (p < 0,05). CONCLUSÃO:: Necessita-se implementar políticas públicas de financiamento ou parcerias que possibilitem adaptação dos ambientes visando a redução dos riscos de quedas.

Falls in institutionalized older adults: risks, consequences and antecedents / Caídas de personas mayores institucionalizadas: riesgos, consecuencias y antecedentes antecedents / Quedas em idosos institucionalizados: riscos, consequências e antecedentes

ABSTRACT Objective: To analyze the occurrence of falls in institutionalized elderly addressing the risks, consequences and antecedents. Method: Cross-sectional study carried out with 45 older adults in Long-Term Care Facilities for the Older adult in João Pessoa, Brazil, in June and July 2016. A socio-demographic questionnaire and the Berg Balance Scale were applied, classifying as risk of fall scores lower than 45. Descriptive statistics and tests were conducted: independent t-test, Anova (Tukey), Chi-square, Mann Whitney. Statistically significance was p <0.05. Data were processed in SPSS version 19.0. Results: A total of 66.7% (30) falls occurred, 20% (9) of them in the external area, with 66.7% (30) of the participants having hypertension as a previous disease and, as consequence, the fracture was highlighted with 11.2% (5). The Berg Scale had different scores when compared to the falls suffered by the elderly and previous diseases influenced the occurrence of falls (p <0.05). Conclusion: It is necessary to implement public financing policies or partnerships that allow environments adaptations aiming at reducing the risks of falls.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Analizar los riesgos, consecuencias y antecedentes de caídas en personas mayores institucionalizadas. Método: Se trata de un estudio transversal, realizado entre 45 personas mayores e internadas en Instituciones de Cuidado a Largo Plazo en João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brasil, entre junio y julio de 2016. Se aplicó el cuestionario sociodemográfico y la Escala de Equilibrio de Berg clasificando el riesgo de caídas cuando la puntuación era inferior a 45. Se utilizó la estadística descriptiva y las pruebas: t de Student independiente, Anova (Tukey), distribución de Pearson (Ji-Cuadrado), Mann Whitney y se consideró significativamente estadístico p < 0,05. Se procesó en el SPSS versión 19.0. Resultados: Las caídas ocurrieron en el 66,7% de las personas mayores (30), el 20% (9) en el área externa y el 66,7% (30) con enfermedad previa de hipertensión; cabe resaltar fracturas en el 11,2% (5). La Escala de Berg evaluó puntuaciones diferentes (p < 0,05) al comparar las caídas sufridas por las personas mayores resaltando que las enfermedades previas influenciaron el suceso de caídas (p < 0,05). Conclusión: Es necesario implantar políticas públicas de financiación o crear asociaciones que posibiliten la adaptación de los diversos ambientes con el objetivo de reducir los riesgos de caídas.

RESUMO Objetivo: Analisar a ocorrência de quedas em idosos institucionalizados quanto aos riscos, consequências e antecedentes. Método: Estudo transversal, realizado com 45 idosos em Instituições de Longa Permanência para Idosos em João Pessoa/PB, Brasil, em junho e julho de 2016. Aplicou-se questionário sociodemográfico e Escala de Equilíbrio de Berg classificando risco de quedas quando escore inferior a 45. Realizou-se estatística descritiva e testes: t independente, Anova (Tukey), Qui-quadrado, Mann Whitney. Considerado significativamente estatístico p < 0,05 e processados no SPSS versão 19.0. Resultados: As quedas ocorreram em 66,7% (30), sendo 20% (9) na área externa, 66,7% (30) com doença prévia hipertensão e como consequência destacou-se fratura com 11,2% (5). A Escala de Berg avaliou pontuações diferentes (p < 0,05) quando comparadas às quedas sofridas pelos idosos, e as doenças prévias influenciaram ocorrência de quedas (p < 0,05). Conclusão: Necessita-se implementar políticas públicas de financiamento ou parcerias que possibilitem adaptação dos ambientes visando a redução dos riscos de quedas.

Cuidados informales de larga duración en España: retos, miradas y soluciones / Long-term informal care in Spain: challenges, views and solutions

RESUMEN El cuidado de la enfermedad crónica a todas las edades representa un problema social y de salud pública en aumento. En España, debido a la insuficiente cobertura estatal, cerca del 80% de los cuidados de larga duración los realiza la red social del enfermo. A partir de una investigación etnográfica sobre cronicidad, desarrollada entre 2009 y 2013 en el estado español, este artículo analiza la problemática de los cuidados informales de larga duración sobre la base de las narrativas de adultos de mediana edad con enfermedades crónicas. Los resultados señalan los factores que condicionan, favorecen o limitan el cuidado informal: la situación personal, doméstica y familiar del enfermo; el curso cíclico de la enfermedad crónica; y la respuesta social a la enfermedad. Las limitaciones del modelo de cuidado informal emplazan a escuchar las voces de los afectados para conocer sus necesidades reales y adecuar los planes y programas de atención a la cronicidad.

ABSTRACT Caring for chronic illnesses at all ages represents a growing social and public health problem. Due to insufficient public coverage in Spain, around 80% of long-term care is provided by the sick person's social network. Based in ethnographic research on chronicity carried out between 2009 and 2013 in Spain, this article analyzes the problem of long-term informal care for middle-aged adults with chronic diseases. The results highlight the factors that condition, enhance or limit informal care: the personal, domestic and family situation of the sick person; the cyclical course of chronic diseases; and the social response to illness. The limitations of the informal care model suggest the need to listen to the voices of those affected in order to understand their real needs and adapt official programs oriented towards chronicity accordingly.

Self-perceived health in institutionalized elderly. / Autopercepção da saúde em idosos institucionalizados.

This study aimed to verify health self-perception, its prevalence and associated factors in institutionalized elderly. A cross-sectional study is presented herein, conducted in 10 Long-Term care Institutions for the Elderly (LTIE) in the city of Natal (Northeast Brazil), between October and December 2013. Sociodemographic variables were analyzed, along with institution-related and health state variables. Descriptive and bivariate analyses were carried out (Chi-squared test, Fisher's exact test or linear trend Chi-squared test), as well as multivariate analysis (logistic regression). The final sample consisted of 127 elderly. The prevalence of negative self-perceived health was 63.19% (CI 95%: 55.07-70.63), and was associated with weight loss (PR: 1.54; CI 95%: 1.19-1.99), rheumatic disease (PR: 1.46; CI 95%: 1.05-2.01) and not-for-profit LTIE (PR: 1.37; CI 95%: 1.03-1.83), adjusted by sex. More than half of the elderly reported negative self-perceived health, which was associated with weight loss, rheumatic disease and type of institution. Actions must be developed to promote better health conditions in LTIE, such as nutrition consulting and physical therapy, to improve quality of life.

[Instruments developed for the management and care of the elderly in long-stay care institutions: a systematic review]. / Instrumentos desenvolvidos para o gerenciamento e cuidado de idosos em instituições de longa permanência: uma revisão sistemática.

The demand for long-stay care institutions for the elderly (ILPIs) is increasing and it is relevant for public health systems to discuss the process of assessing the health status of its residents. The study aimed to identify measurement tools built specifically for the management and care of elderly residents in long-stay care facilities. A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA recommendations in Medline and CINAHL databases since their creation to May 2013 using the Medical Subject Headings terms suitable for the search. A total of 1858 articles were located, of which 30 were selected and 28 instruments were identified in the studies. The United States was the country that created most instruments geared to this population and the Minimum Data Set/Resident Assessment Instrument (MDS/RAI) was the one most used in the studies of this review. The variables most frequently evaluated by the instruments were depression, cognition and functional capacity. The reformulation of public policies that ensure a standardized assessment system for residents in ILPIs in Brazil is urgently needed and the challenge is to ensure that the instruments developed are disseminated and effectively implemented in the daily tasks of the professionals working in these institutions.

Instrumentos desenvolvidos para o gerenciamento e cuidado de idosos em instituições de longa permanência: uma revisão sistemática / Instruments developed for the management and care of the elderly in long-stay care institutions: a systematic review

Resumo Como a demanda por instituições de longa permanência para idosos (ILPIs) está aumentando, torna-se relevante para os sistemas de saúde pública discutir o processo de avaliação das condições de saúde dos seus residentes. O presente estudo objetivou identificar instrumentos de medida construídos especificamente para o gerenciamento e o cuidado de residentes idosos, em instituições de longa permanência. Realizou-se uma revisão sistemática segundo as recomendações PRISMA, nos bancos de dados Medline e CINAHL, desde a sua criação até maio de 2013, utilizando termos da Medical Subject Headings adequados para a busca. Foram encontrados 1858 artigos e selecionados 30, sendo identificados 28 instrumentos nesses estudos. Os EUA foram o país que mais construiu instrumentos voltados a essa população e o Minimum Data Set/Resident Assessment Instrument (MDS/RAI) foi o mais utilizado nos estudos da presente revisão. As variáveis mais frequentemente avaliadas pelos instrumentos foram a depressão, a cognição e a capacidade funcional. Torna-se urgente a reformulação de políticas públicas que garantam um sistema de avaliação padronizado dos residentes de ILPIs no Brasil, sendo um desafio fazer com que os instrumentos desenvolvidos consigam se difundir e se efetivar no cotidiano dos profissionais dessas instituições.

Abstract The demand for long-stay care institutions for the elderly (ILPIs) is increasing and it is relevant for public health systems to discuss the process of assessing the health status of its residents. The study aimed to identify measurement tools built specifically for the management and care of elderly residents in long-stay care facilities. A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA recommendations in Medline and CINAHL databases since their creation to May 2013 using the Medical Subject Headings terms suitable for the search. A total of 1858 articles were located, of which 30 were selected and 28 instruments were identified in the studies. The United States was the country that created most instruments geared to this population and the Minimum Data Set/Resident Assessment Instrument (MDS/RAI) was the one most used in the studies of this review. The variables most frequently evaluated by the instruments were depression, cognition and functional capacity. The reformulation of public policies that ensure a standardized assessment system for residents in ILPIs in Brazil is urgently needed and the challenge is to ensure that the instruments developed are disseminated and effectively implemented in the daily tasks of the professionals working in these institutions.

Autopercepção da saúde em idosos institucionalizados / Self-perceived health in institutionalized elderly

Resumo Este trabalho objetivou determinar a autopercepção da saúde em idosos institucionalizados, assim como verificar a prevalência de percepção negativa da saúde e seus fatores associados. Trata-se de estudo transversal realizado em 10 instituições de longa permanência para idosos (ILPI) da cidade de Natal, entre outubro e dezembro de 2013. Foram analisadas variáveis sociodemográficas, relacionadas à ILPI e às condições de saúde. Realizou-se a análise descritiva, bivariada mediante os testes qui-quadrado, exato de Fisher ou qui-quadrado de tendência linear, assim como multivariado mediante regressão logística. A amostra foi de 127 idosos. A prevalência de autopercepção negativa da saúde foi de 63,19% (IC 95%: 55,07-70,63), e esteve associada à perda de peso (RP: 1,54; IC 95%: 1,19-1,99), doença reumática (RP: 1,46; IC 95%: 1,05-2,01) e ILPI sem fins lucrativos (RP: 1,37; IC 95%: 1,03-1,83), ajustado por sexo. É fundamental desenvolver ações de promoção da saúde nas ILPI, como aquelas baseadas na nutrição e fisioterapia que atuem sobre esses agravos à saúde, com vistas a melhorar a qualidade de vida.

Abstract This study aimed to verify health self-perception, its prevalence and associated factors in institutionalized elderly. A cross-sectional study is presented herein, conducted in 10 Long-Term care Institutions for the Elderly (LTIE) in the city of Natal (Northeast Brazil), between October and December 2013. Sociodemographic variables were analyzed, along with institution-related and health state variables. Descriptive and bivariate analyses were carried out (Chi-squared test, Fisher’s exact test or linear trend Chi-squared test), as well as multivariate analysis (logistic regression). The final sample consisted of 127 elderly. The prevalence of negative self-perceived health was 63.19% (CI 95%: 55.07-70.63), and was associated with weight loss (PR: 1.54; CI 95%: 1.19-1.99), rheumatic disease (PR: 1.46; CI 95%: 1.05-2.01) and not-for-profit LTIE (PR: 1.37; CI 95%: 1.03-1.83), adjusted by sex. More than half of the elderly reported negative self-perceived health, which was associated with weight loss, rheumatic disease and type of institution. Actions must be developed to promote better health conditions in LTIE, such as nutrition consulting and physical therapy, to improve quality of life.

Long-term care of the elderly in Uruguay.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the perception of care of the elderly in long-term centers. DESIGN: Qualitative study through participant observation and 23 in-depth interviews with administrators, caregivers, and residents between January 2011 and January 2012 in nine long-term care centers in Uruguay. From analysis, three care-perception factors emerged: (a) meaning of care, (b) experience of care, and (c) care continuity. CONCLUSION: Care of the elderly in nursing homes is perceived as a duty. There is an exchange of feelings and recognition of the caregiver is needed. However, the need for technical or specialized training is not mentioned. Recognition of the task of care provision, duty as a moral determinant, the exchange of affection and solidarity between staff and the elderly allows care continuity despite the centers' lack of resources. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study contributes information that may help improve the care conditions of elderly institutionalized people.

Beneficial effects of multisensory and cognitive stimulation on age-related cognitive decline in long-term-care institutions.

The aim of the present report was to evaluate the effectiveness and impact of multisensory and cognitive stimulation on improving cognition in elderly persons living in long-term-care institutions (institutionalized [I]) or in communities with their families (noninstitutionalized [NI]). We compared neuropsychological performance using language and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) test scores before and after 24 and 48 stimulation sessions. The two groups were matched by age and years of schooling. Small groups of ten or fewer volunteers underwent the stimulation program, twice a week, over 6 months (48 sessions in total). Sessions were based on language and memory exercises, as well as visual, olfactory, auditory, and ludic stimulation, including music, singing, and dance. Both groups were assessed at the beginning (before stimulation), in the middle (after 24 sessions), and at the end (after 48 sessions) of the stimulation program. Although the NI group showed higher performance in all tasks in all time windows compared with I subjects, both groups improved their performance after stimulation. In addition, the improvement was significantly higher in the I group than the NI group. Language tests seem to be more efficient than the MMSE to detect early changes in cognitive status. The results suggest the impoverished environment of long-term-care institutions may contribute to lower cognitive scores before stimulation and the higher improvement rate of this group after stimulation. In conclusion, language tests should be routinely adopted in the neuropsychological assessment of elderly subjects, and long-term-care institutions need to include regular sensorimotor, social, and cognitive stimulation as a public health policy for elderly persons.

"Fit and fabulous": mixed-methods research on processes, perceptions, and outcomes of a yearlong gym program with assisted-living residents.

This study's mixed-methods design sought to understand how to encourage assisted-living (AL) residents to initiate and continue exercise in a gym setting. Ten residents participated in this yearlong program. Processes developed and perceived benefits were understood through interviews and observations. Changes in active time, lower body strength, and workload were evaluated using direct measures. Findings indicated that AL residents regularly used exercise machines (mean participation = 53.8%) and increased active time and lower body strength (p = .02) when adequately prepared and supported. Participants prioritized gym time and developed pride and ownership in the program. They described themselves as exercisers and developed a sense of belonging to their new home. Friendships with one another, staff, and university partners were nurtured in the gym setting. When provided space, equipment, trained staff, and additional resource support, AL residents' quality of life and life satisfaction were enhanced in several domains.

Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome: health care throughout life.

Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome (HPS) is a rare autosomal recessive disease that displays genetic heterogeneity; there are 9 known subtypes. HPS is characterized by oculocutaneous albinism, a platelet storage pool deficiency and resultant bleeding diathesis, and lysosomal accumulation of ceroid lipofuscin. Patients with HPS, specifically those with the genotypes HPS-1, HPS-2, or HPS-4, are predisposed to interstitial lung disease. In addition, some patients with HPS develop granulomatous colitis. Optimal health care requires a thorough knowledge of the unique health risks and functional limitations associated with this syndrome.

Effectiveness of a comprehensive hand hygiene program for reduction of infection rates in a long-term care facility.

BACKGROUND: Alcohol-based hand rubs play a key role in reducing the transmission of pathogens in acute care settings, especially as part of a comprehensive hand hygiene program. However, their use in long-term care facilities (LTCFs) has been virtually unstudied. METHODS: Infection data, including those meeting McGeer et al and the Pennsylvania Patient Safety Authority's surveillance definitions, for lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) and skin and soft-tissue infections (SSTIs), as well as hospitalization data were collected in a 174-bed LTCF for 22 months (May 2009 to February 2011). In March 2010, a comprehensive hand hygiene program including increased product availability, education for health care personnel (HCP) and residents, and an observation tool to monitor compliance, was implemented. RESULTS: Infection rates for LRTIs were reduced from 0.97 to 0.53 infections per 1,000 resident-days (P = .01) following the intervention, a statistically significant decline. Infection rates for SSTIs were reduced from 0.30 to 0.25 infections per 1,000 resident-days (P = .65). A 54% compliance rate was observed among HCP. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that the use of alcohol-based hand rubs, as part of a comprehensive hand hygiene program for HCP and residents, can decrease infection rates in LTCFs.