Úlcera por pressão em idosos institucionalizados: um guia para cuidadores

Abstract

Pressure Ulcers (PU) are areas of localized soft tissue ischemic necrosis caused by prolonged pressure higher than the capillary pressure with or without shear, related to posture which usually occurs over a bony prominence in individual with certain clinical susceptibilities. Extrinsic factors – such as pressure, friction and shear, moisture and temperature changes – are related to biomedical engineering and come from the interaction patient-surface. On the other hand, intrinsic factors are related to health conditions and correspond to nutritional imbalance and/or conditions that decrease tissue oxygenation or impair mobility. Since it features different pathogenic mechanisms and it is more prevalent among the elderly, the PU group is classified as a geriatric syndrome. Worldwide, PU are estimated to be the 3rd largest consumer of resources, plus the social burden and consequences of this condition. PU are quite common in hospitals, however there are several cases among the elderly living in Long-Term Care Facilities (LTCFs). In Brazil, these institutions are supported by social organizations, what produces legal gaps with respect to the residents’ clinical responsibility, and reduces the chances of preventing avoidable diseases as PU. The number of elderly caregivers tends to grow accordingly to the population ageing, creating a window of opportunity for continued education of this group of workers. Through an extensive literature review, this thesis aimed to highlight the relevant findings of the different factors involved in PU pathogenesis as well as to ascertain the particularities of elderly individuals and the specific environment of LTCFs. The final product is a PU prevention guide suitable to use in Brazilian long-term care facilities.