A formação dos enfermeiros para a atenção à saúde da população idosa

Abstract

The Brazilian population is ageing rapidly, with life expectancy increasing as a result of better living and health conditions. Given this scenario, it is necessary to adopt measures to guarantee the well-being and quality of life of this population, which has specific health needs. In this context, it is crucial that health professionals, including nurses, are prepared to meet the demands of the elderly. To analyze the situation of nursing training for the health care of the elderly population in public Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in Rio Grande doNorte. In order to conduct this qualitative research, public HEIs in the state that offer a bachelor's degree in Nursing were selected. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews with teachers who are members of the Structuring Teaching Nucleus (NDE), appointed by the course coordinators. In addition, two focus groups were held with final year students from two HEIs in the state of Rio Grande do Norte, appointed by the student representative of the class or, in their absence, by the course coordinator. The data collected was analyzed using the Content Analysis technique. The results obtained by analyzing the data from the focus groups revealed two categories: Pedagogical approach of nursing courses and Nursing training for working with the elderly population. The interviews with teachers were categorized as follows: The structure of nursing education in the public HEIs of Rio Grande do Norte and Nursing education for working with the elderly population. This research revealed weaknesses in the curricular structure of the pedagogical projects of nursingcourses in teaching the health of the elderly, which is a relevant concern in light of Brazil's demographic and epidemiological scenario.