Addressing pressures on health services in Belo Horizonte, Brazil through community-based care for poor older people: a qualitative study

Background In low and middle-income countries, there is growing interest in managing pressures on health services through community interventions for older people. Evidence on the effects of such interventions is scarce. We draw on qualitative data to examine these effects for a specific scheme, Programa Maior Cuidado (PMC) in the Brazilian city of Belo Horizonte. Methods Building on quantitative findings reported elsewhere, we use qualitative data to develop and test theories of change. These include data from 50 meetings with policymakers, managers and staff in 30 health centres and social assistance posts. Data collection was embedded in key informant interaction and knowledge coproduction. Data include participant and non-participant observation, focus groups and semi-structured interviews with key informants, as well as older people and carers from seven families. Findings The data reveal three theories of change. Theory 1 is PMC maintains older people’s health which reduces their need for inpatient or outpatient care. We find strong evidence to support this, through effects on use of medication, chronic disease management and risk prevention. Theory 2 is PMC promotes timely intervention by anticipating health problems, thus reducing demand for emergency and acute care. We find some evidence for this, but it was limited by limited availability of timely treatment or referral beyond PMC. Theory 3 is PMC facilitates hospital discharge. We find limited evidence for this, reflecting a lack of formal liaison between PMC and hospitals. Interpretation Schemes like PMC have potential to reduce pressures on health service utilisation by older people, if they are well articulated with wider health services

Addressing pressures on health services in Belo Horizonte, Brazil through community-based care for poor older people: a qualitative study

Lucas Sempé - ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0978-6455Background In low and middle-income countries, there is growing interest in managing pressures on health services through community interventions for older people. Evidence on the effects of such interventions is scarce. We draw on qualitative data to examine these effects for a specific scheme, Programa Maior Cuidado (PMC) in the Brazilian city of Belo Horizonte. Methods Building on quantitative findings reported elsewhere, we use qualitative data to develop and test theories of change. These include data from 50 meetings with policymakers, managers and staff in 30 health centres and social assistance posts. Data collection was embedded in key informant interaction and knowledge coproduction. Data include participant and non-participant observation, focus groups and semi-structured interviews with key informants, as well as older people and carers from seven families. Findings The data reveal three theories of change. Theory 1 is PMC maintains older people’s health which reduces their need for inpatient or outpatient care. We find strong evidence to support this, through effects on use of medication, chronic disease management and risk prevention. Theory 2 is PMC promotes timely intervention by anticipating health problems, thus reducing demand for emergency and acute care. We find some evidence for this, but it was limited by limited availability of timely treatment or referral beyond PMC. Theory 3 is PMC facilitates hospital discharge. We find limited evidence for this, reflecting a lack of formal liaison between PMC and hospitals. Interpretation Schemes like PMC have potential to reduce pressures on health service utilisation by older people, if they are well articulated with wider health services.Medical Research Council, Newton Fund and Brazilian Council of State Funding Agencies.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lana.2023.10061927aheadofprintaheadofprin

Integrated long-term care partnerships between government social care and health agencies in Brazil: The Belo Horizonte model

The article sets out key elements of the policy agenda for enhanced integration between health and social care for older people in high-income countries and demonstrates its wider relevance to low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The article then explores the context for this agenda in Brazil, including growing demand for long-term care (LTC) and current institutional arrangements. It goes on to discuss a case study project of partnering for LTC between local social assistance and health agencies in the Brazilian city of Belo Horizonte. It identifies challenges and potential benefits of this partnership model, offering policy insights for LTC policy in Brazil and other countries

AVALIAÇÃO DA QUALIDADE DE VIDA DO IDOSOS INSTITUCIONALIZADO COM SINAIS DE DEMÊNCIA

Introdução: A insuficiência cognitiva é um dos principais fatores que podem comprometer a independência e a autonomia dos idosos, especialmente nos que residem em Instituições de Longa Permanência para Idosos (ILPI). Objetivo: Avaliar a qualidade de vida (QV) de idosos com sinais de demência residentes em instituições de longa permanência em Betim, Minas Gerais. Métodos: Trata-se de estudo quantitativo, transversal, de caráter descritivo, em que inicialmente foi conduzida uma triagem com o Miniexame do Estado Mental (MEEM); aqueles participantes que obtiveram triagem positiva, segundo critérios de escolaridade e escore acima de 10, foram submetidos à versão brasileira da Escala de Qualidade de Vida na Doença de Alzheimer (QdV-DA). Dos 106 idosos participantes nas 3 instituições cenário deste estudo, 58 atenderam ao critério de inclusão e, desses, 15 foram inseridos no estudo. Resultados: Foi utilizada a distribuição em quartis para a correção composta (P25 = 26,7; P50 = 31,3; P75 = 36,00). Assim, os resultados permitiram afirmar que 26,7% (n=4) dos idosos avaliados possuem baixa QV, 46,6% média QV (n=7) e 26,7 % foram classificados como tendo alta QV (n=4). Conclusão: A avaliação de constructos subjetivos, como a QV, é um desafio entre idosos com sinais de demência, porém extremamente importante para avaliar o impacto das intervenções propostas. A QV deve ser levada em consideração pelos responsáveis pela gestão dessas instituições, a fim de estruturar suas atividades buscando o bem-estar dos idosos institucionalizados, além de permanecer atentos ao perfil dessa população

COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE INFLUENCE OF HANDGRIP STRENGTH AND MOBILITY ON THE QUALITY OF LIFE OF INSTITUTIONALIZED ELDERLY

The objective of this study was to carry out a comparative analysis between handgrip strength and mobility in the quality of life (QOL) of older adults living in long-term care facilities. Methods: This was a cross sectional study conducted in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, comprised of a sample population of 127 older adults. Measurements included the World Health Organization Quality of Life-OLD (WHOQOL-BREF) questionnaire, assessment of the handgrip strength by hand dynamometer and mobility by Timed Up and Go (TUG). An analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed to compare the mean values of the WHOQOL-BREF, global and domains, in each stratum of the handgrip strength and mobility values. Our results showed that handgrip dynamometer strength was associated with higher perception of the global WHOQOL-BREF score and two WHOQOL-BREF domains environment (p<0.028) and physical health (p<0.002), that is, the highest QOL values were seen in those older adults with greater handgrip strength. However, no significant association between TUG score and any quality of life domains was found. It can be inferred that handgrip strength seems to influence the quality of life of institutionalized older adults and healthcare providers in LTCs should account for when designing interventions

Depressive symptoms and associated factors in residents living in long-term care facilities from the metropolitan area of Belo Horizonte

OBJECTIVE: To identify the presence of depressive symptoms and its association with self-rated health among older adults living in Long-term Care Facilities. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study in which older adults living in LTCF were screened by using the Mental State Mini Exam. Standard questionnaires were used to collect the following data: 1) sociodemographic variables, 2) depressive symptoms, and 3) self-rated health. The descriptive statistical analysis by measures of central tendency and dispersion was performed to characterize the sample. The multinomial logistic regression analysis was performed to associate the variables. In all tests, the alpha value of 0.05 was considered. RESULTS: A total of 127 older adults living in 47 long-term care facilities were evaluated. Among those who presented depressive symptoms, 32.3% were classified as having mild symptoms and 13.4% had severe symptoms. Regarding self-rated health, 46.5% considered it poor/very poor. In the analysis of the association between mild and severe depressive symptoms and self-rated health, statistical significance (p = 0.004 and p = 0.001, respectively) was found. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that more attention should be directed to older adults living in LTCF who have symptoms of depression and to their impacts on the negative self-rated health.</p

AVALIAÇÃO DA QUALIDADE DE VIDA DO IDOSOS INSTITUCIONALIZADO COM SINAIS DE DEMÊNCIA

Introdução: A insuficiência cognitiva é um dos principais fatores que podem comprometer a independência e a autonomia dos idosos, especialmente nos que residem em Instituições de Longa Permanência para Idosos (ILPI). Objetivo: Avaliar a qualidade de vida (QV) de idosos com sinais de demência residentes em instituições de longa permanência em Betim, Minas Gerais. Métodos: Trata-se de estudo quantitativo, transversal, de caráter descritivo, em que inicialmente foi conduzida uma triagem com o Miniexame do Estado Mental (MEEM); aqueles participantes que obtiveram triagem positiva, segundo critérios de escolaridade e escore acima de 10, foram submetidos à versão brasileira da Escala de Qualidade de Vida na Doença de Alzheimer (QdV-DA). Dos 106 idosos participantes nas 3 instituições cenário deste estudo, 58 atenderam ao critério de inclusão e, desses, 15 foram inseridos no estudo. Resultados: Foi utilizada a distribuição em quartis para a correção composta (P25 = 26,7; P50 = 31,3; P75 = 36,00). Assim, os resultados permitiram afirmar que 26,7% (n=4) dos idosos avaliados possuem baixa QV, 46,6% média QV (n=7) e 26,7 % foram classificados como tendo alta QV (n=4). Conclusão: A avaliação de constructos subjetivos, como a QV, é um desafio entre idosos com sinais de demência, porém extremamente importante para avaliar o impacto das intervenções propostas. A QV deve ser levada em consideração pelos responsáveis pela gestão dessas instituições, a fim de estruturar suas atividades buscando o bem-estar dos idosos institucionalizados, além de permanecer atentos ao perfil dessa população

COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE INFLUENCE OF HANDGRIP STRENGTH AND MOBILITY ON THE QUALITY OF LIFE OF INSTITUTIONALIZED ELDERLY

The objective of this study was to carry out a comparative analysis between handgrip strength and mobility in the quality of life (QOL) of older adults living in long-term care facilities. Methods: This was a cross sectional study conducted in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, comprised of a sample population of 127 older adults. Measurements included the World Health Organization Quality of Life-OLD (WHOQOL-BREF) questionnaire, assessment of the handgrip strength by hand dynamometer and mobility by Timed Up and Go (TUG). An analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed to compare the mean values of the WHOQOL-BREF, global and domains, in each stratum of the handgrip strength and mobility values. Our results showed that handgrip dynamometer strength was associated with higher perception of the global WHOQOL-BREF score and two WHOQOL-BREF domains environment (p&lt;0.028) and physical health (p&lt;0.002), that is, the highest QOL values were seen in those older adults with greater handgrip strength. However, no significant association between TUG score and any quality of life domains was found. It can be inferred that handgrip strength seems to influence the quality of life of institutionalized older adults and healthcare providers in LTCs should account for when designing interventions

Long-term care facilities for older people and the COVID-19 pandemic: epidemiological data and preventive measures

Objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged society, especially residents of long-term care facilities (LTCF). This study investigated rates of infection, hospitalization, and death due to COVID-19 among LTCF residents and staff in Minas Gerais, Brazil and identified strategies to control the spread of the disease. Methods: This cross-sectional study collected data from 164 LTCF (6017 older adults). The owners or managers were invited to answer an electronic questionnaire. The questionnaire included 55 items, divided into 3 sections. Results: Of the participating LTCF, 48.7%, 39.6%, and 32.3% reported COVID-19 infections, hospitalizations, and deaths, respectively, among residents, while 68.9%, 7.3%, and 1.2% reported COVID-19 infections, hospitalizations, and deaths, respectively, among staff. Preventive measures were identified and classified as organizational, infrastructural, hygiene items/personal protective equipment, and staff training. Conclusion: The strategies used in the daily routines of LTCF during the pandemic were classified. The challenges experienced in Brazilian facilities were similar to those observed worldwide. The results highlight the importance of continuity and the need to improve protective measures for LTCF residents, especially in low- and middle-income countries.</p