Prevention of pneumonia in hospitalized elderly patients

Abstract

Introduction: Increasing life expectancy and consequent population aging is a major challenge for the health sector. In this context, it is important to identify the vulnerabilities of the care process so as to readjust interventions and ensure excellence in the care provided to elderly patients. Objective: To evaluate the implementation of pneumonia prevention measures in hospitalized elderly. Method: Cross-sectional study. Data collection took place in a tertiary public hospital through the analysis of medical records and interviews with elderly patients or their caregivers. Data analysis was performed using the statistical program Epi Info.3.54. The study was approved by the Ethics Committee CAAE 394013144.0000.5231. Care measures for prevention of pneumonia were analyzed in 142 elderly patients. Result: It was found that care measures were prescribed most of the time, and the biggest difference was found in relation to checking and confirming that such measures were actually implemented. The measure of elevation of the head of the bed was checked by 92.9% of professionals and confirmed by 85% of the elderly. Regarding oral hygiene, a difference was also found in relation to checking, which was 98.5%, and confirming the performance 83.8%. Conclusion: There is a need to give priority and ensure the implementation of the prescribed actions and check them so as to promote the safe and effective development of the care plan, because the prescribed care measure was often checked, but its implementation was not confirmed in the same percentage by users; this brings up an important discussion about the quality of care provided to hospitalized elderly patients.