The light of Florence Nightingale in the care for COVID-19 patients in primary health care

A luz de Florence Nightingale no cuidado aos pacientes com COVID-19 na atenção primária

ABSTRACT

Objective  To analyze the contributions of Florence Nightingale`s care model in the COVID- 19 pandemic.

Method  Reflection that addresses her theoretical model and its validity in this pandemic, using interpretative research methods and limiting nursing care to primary care.

Results  Some pandemics that have caused great impact in humanity are reviewed throughout history; the evolution of nursing care in relation to pandemics is studied; the genesis of community nursing is considered, and Nightingale’s care model is reviewed in COVID-19.

Conclusions  Florence Nightingale's thinking withstands the passage of time and, today, as the COVID-19 pandemic rages across the planet, her concept of holistic care and her idea of the art of nursing take on special significance by considering the context involving patients, families and communities.

Keywords
Public health; History of nursing; Nursing; Pandemics; Coronavirus infections