Grupos de educação em saúde com idosos: educação permanente com profissionais da atenção primária

Abstract

Health education groups with elderly people can contribute to the enhancement of life, self care and personal growth, making active ageing with higher quality of life. However, the realization of these groups has not yet been characterized as a frequent action in Primary Health (APS). The objective of this research was to develop and evaluate the implementation of a permanent education course on health education groups with elderly people. This is a study with quali-quantitative approach, which used as methodological strategy action research. The study was conducted on APS of Uberaba, MG, Brazil, and participated in health professionals and managers of the basic units. The following steps were performed: situational diagnosis and identifying themes of interest to permanent education in the context of creation and management of health education groups with elderly people; discussion with representatives on the proposal of educational action; implementation and evaluation of the course. The data were collected through semi-structured questionnaires in three stages: the initial diagnosis, which occurred in the period from August to December 2013; at the end of the permanent education, between May and August of 2014; and 120 days after, between October of 2014 and January 2015. Quantitative data were submitted to statistics analysis, and qualitative material transcribed in full and in the method of analysis of the collective subject discourse. The study obtained approval of the Research Ethics Committee of the Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro and the Municipal Health Secretariat. The results of the Situational diagnosis showed that 96.4% of workers investigated considered important the participation of the elderly in health education groups, however only 36,4% identified the existence of these actions in their units. It was found that the occurrence of educational groups with elderly people in general they are weekly, led by nurse and discuss themes defined from the needs observed by professionals. About the knowledge of health education theme with elderly, 55.1% of participants stated that graduation didn't offer sufficient training for this practice, and 64% pointed out that this subject is not discussed in permanent education practices, when these occur. The professionals consider necessary for conduct of knowledge relating to dynamic groups, diseases and diseases, action planning and teaching. From the needs pointed out by the professionals, as well as discussions with representative actors was held education action. The course meet the assumptions of permanent education in health and the topics covered included organizational aspects of health education, ludopedagógic techniques for operationalization of groups, issues of interest to the elderly and the main aggravations of health in old age. With the participation of professionals, with 98 of these 86 replied to the assessment questionnaire. There was a predominance of female participants, age group between 31 to 50 years, most nurses, followed by community health agents and dentists. In assessing the applicability of the course, the speeches reflected the recognition of professionals of the health education groups may interfere in the life of the elderly, both because it is set up as a tool for empowerment and increased quality of life, as for being an area of socialization. Considered important for the creation of these groups technical and structural conditions and themes, and pointed to training as a facilitator for creating groups, as well as, a reflection of the practice, with possibilities of application of knowledge. As for the perception of professionals in relation to the effects educative action on the job, after 120 days of course was observed positive impact and support the transfer of training. As to the opinion of the participants, showed that the majority reported that the course promoted change in your practice. Professionals reported a rereading of existing groups with diversification in the resources used, and recognized the management groups with more knowledge, safety and respect for the elderly after the training. On the other hand, difficulties in the implementation of actions were also pointed out. Considers that the results of the survey were positive, both as regards the participation of professionals throughout the research process, as the effects that the qualification obtained, demonstrating that the permanent education with these actors opens paths for the construction of a differentiated attention for the elderly.