Cuidadores de idosos na prevenção de lesão por pressão: revisão integrativa.

Abstract

The elderly population has been seen as a target audience for developing pressure injuries, which is a public health problem that affects the entire population. Therefore, a formal or informal caregiver is able to face the daily challenges imposed by the act of caring with greater security, since health care is not limited to the hospital environment and also to the home environment. Objective: To identify national and international scientific publications on elderly caregivers in the prevention of pressure injuries. Methodology: Integrative review developed during the completion of the Bachelor of Nursing course at the Federal University of Campina Grande, Campus Cuité. The guiding question was prepared using the PICO strategy, focusing on caregivers of the elderly and their intervention in the prevention of pressure injuries. It was decided to include scientific articles, national and international, available in the Virtual Health Library (VHL) and Capes Periodical Portal, from 2019 to 2023. And, excluding systematic reviews, editorials, monographs, dissertations and theses. Data analysis was carried out using a combination of descriptors in Portuguese, English and Spanish related to pressure injuries, elderly caregivers and prevention. Results: It is identified that adequate knowledge of caregivers is essential to prevent pressure injuries in the elderly. It is also evident that caregivers have basic knowledge about the causes of injuries, but are not well informed about preventive measures. The identified difficulty is considered to be the lack of guidance and human resources for home care. And, as preventive strategies, regularly changing the patient's position, specific mattresses, are important to avoid pressure injuries. Conclusion: The importance of elderly caregivers in preventing pressure injuries is highlighted, highlighting the need for greater awareness and education of these professionals. The lack of comprehensive studies on the topic and the methodological limitations found during the research indicate the need for more research in this area. Investing in training and continuing education programs for caregivers is essential to improve prevention practices. Collaboration between healthcare professionals, caregivers and patients is essential to ensure effective and comprehensive care for the elderly in preventing pressure injuries.