Abstract
Objective
to identify the behavioral responses presented by elderly people at home after hospitalization at the intensive care unit and hospital discharge.
Method
a qualitative study was conducted with people aged 80 years or older. The data collection setting was the intensive care unit and the homes of the elderly people hospitalized in the unit using open interviews. Data analysis consisted of Bardin’s method of content analysis based on the Callista Roy adaptation model. All ethical aspects were respected.
Results
two categories emerged: changes in the pattern of response to physiological needs and loss of autonomy and psychosocial changes and impairment in performing daily leisure and work activities.
Conclusion and implications for practice
behavioral responses were related to physiological and psychosocial factors, culminating in dependence and loss of autonomy to perform basic life activities. Difficulties experienced in returning home were also noticed, which caused significant changes in daily activities, thereby evidencing the need for multidisciplinary teams to begin preparing for the return home during hospitalization. Strategies seeking to improve critical care outcomes are highly suggested to be implemented in this population.
Keywords:
Adaptation; Patient Discharge; Aged, 80 and over; Critical Cares Outcomes; Intensive Care Units