Nursing teleconsultation for older adults in Primary Care during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Abstract Objective To identify the potentialities and shortcomings involved in the applicability of nursing teleconsultation to older adults in Primary Care during the pandemic. Method A qualitative, exploratory, descriptive study was carried out from March to April 2022 of 30 nurses working in Primary Care in the city of Florianópolis, Santa Catarina state, Brazil. Data were collected through semi-structured individual interviews and analyzed using Minayo Thematic Analysis involving three stages: pre-analysis; exploring the material; and treatment and interpretation of the results obtained using inductive analysis. Results The potentialities of nursing teleconsultation included expanding access to health services; providing continuity of care and protection for older adults during the pandemic period and transcending geographical barriers in care delivery. The shortcomings involved difficulties with the use of technologies by the older individuals, breakdowns in the communication process, and the need for the presence of a family member or caregiver during teleconsultations. Conclusion Teleconsultation in nursing is a technology used in many countries that has gained traction in Brazil due to the coronavirus pandemic and become an important resource for expanding access, providing care continuity and maintaining the bond between family health teams, older adults and their relatives. However, this technology needs further improvement to overcome the difficulties experienced by both users and professionals in its use.