Estudo piloto: criação de aplicativo para cuidadores de idosos após fratura do fêmur proximal

Abstract

Proximal femur fractures are most prevalent in the elderly, as this kind of fracture occurs with the progress of age, in consequence of the number of tumbles associated with the occurrence of osteoporosis. Most commonly, they demand hospitalization and surgical treatment, and have high morbidity and mortality rates. Considering that the caretaker is the main care intermediate in the domestic medium, it is required that he is properly informed to fulfil this role. As such, through the current study, a mobile application has been developed with guidelines directed to caretakers of the elderly post proximal femur fractures, aimed at facilitating access to information regarding recovery and precautions to be taken after hospital discharge. The prototype had its usability tested by an adult caretaker, which will serve as reference to the application’s continued use, aimed at verifying its efficiency. For sample description a sociodemographic questionnaire and semistructured interview were applied. Research methodology was employed in exploratory and descriptive fashion, with a qualitative approach, based on bibliographic revision. The results obtained suggest that, in spite of insertion in the general labor market, caretakers are still predominantly women, and even with orientation from health teams, they do not feel prepared to practice homecare. Therefore, the use of an application with relevant content regarding care can potentialize it. However, in order for information to make sense and be useful as a support strategy by and for caretakers, this information must be transmitted directly after hospital discharge.