CHARACTERIZATION OF TECHNOLOGY-DEPENDENT PATIENTS IN HOME CARE SERVICES

Abstract

Doi: 10.5902/2179769211063 Aim: to characterize the technology-dependent patients cared for in home care services of a University Hospital in the central region of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Method: quantitative research, with descriptive and cross-sectional design developed with 57 patients dependent on technologies at home. The data were submitted to descriptive statistical analysis. Results: it was found that most patients were male, married, average age of 58 years, low income and education and made use of more than a technological device. And 73.7% used probes to aid in feeding, 24.6% tracheostomy and 22.8% oxygen. It was identified that 56.2% were discharged, 26.3% another hospitalization and 17.5% died. Conclusions: we need to consider that an increasing number of people use technologies at home. Health professionals should be attentive to the health needs of these people making comprehensive and continuous care.

Keywords

• tecnologia
• doença crônica
• assistência domiciliar
• tecnologia biomédica