Professional competencies in primary health care for attending to older adults

• Main Authors: Regina Rigatto Witt, Maclaine de Oliveira Roos, Nilson Maestri Carvalho, Andria Machado da Silva, Carla Daiane Silva Rodrigues, Mariana Timmers dos Santos
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Universidade de São Paulo
• Series: Revista da Escola de Enfermagem da USP
• Subjects: Anciano; Atención Primaria de Salud; Competência profesional; Enfermería geriátrica; Salud del anciano
• Online Access: http://revodonto.bvsalud.org/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0080-62342014000601020&lng=en&tlng=en

Objective To identify and analyze the necessary competencies in primary health care for attending to older adults. Method An exploratory, descriptive, and quali-quantitative study was developed. Three rounds of the Delphi Technique were conducted with participants from primary health care services and a multidisciplinary committee. The first questionnaire asked participants to indicate the competencies needed for attending to older adults in primary health care. They were compiled into a list and added to a Likert Scale (from 1 to 5) for the second and third questionnaires. A consensus criterion of 70% was adopted. Results Twenty eight competencies were reached by consensus and were classified into twelve domains. Conclusion The competencies reflect Brazilian health care policy and constitute a reference for professional health practice and education when caring for the older adult in primary health care.