ABSTRACT
Objective
To analyze the demands in the therapeutic itinerary of the elderly within the health care network.
Method
Descriptive, time cut, qualitative approach study. Sample consisted of 23 elderly, aged 70 to 79 years attending an outpatient care unit, from June 2014 to July 2015. The semi-structured interviews were conducted individually, in the unit that makes up the secondary level of the Health Care Network. The transcripts of the recorded interviews and data analysis were based on the principles of Grounded Theory.
Results
Experiences of comings and goings within the health care network were evidenced; long and complex paths and trajectories; lack of humanity and delay in service.
Conclusion and implications for practice
For the elderly, the health network structure generates itineraries that are permeated by streams of uncertainty regarding their health condition and illness, also pervaded by delayed exams and treatment. The study points out the existing need for nursing assessment and interventions sensitive to the elderly’s experiences at different levels of the healthcare system.
Keywords:
Elderly; Health care; Treatment; Nursing