The Quality Indicators of Long-Term Care Models that Promote Empowerment for Self-care: A Systematic Review Protocol

Abstract

The accelerated ageing of the population and the prospect of a world with a high proportion of older adults needing multiple responses is a challenge for health and social services. The phenomenon of population ageing translates into a significant increase in older adults and a decrease in the young population: in 2021, there would be 182 older adults for every 100 young people. Alongside ageing, multiple diseases and loss of functionality may arise, affecting the independence and self-care capacity of older adults. Empirically, institutionalisation leads to barriers in functionality, resulting from multiple emotional, physical and cognitive factors. Residential homes for older adults respond to institutionalisation and are often considered a predictor of dependency. Considering all the aspects previously explained, it becomes necessary to look at the quality of care in long-term care facilities and the models of care used in these elderly care facilities. Studies indicate that the assessment of the functional profile and self-care needs is crucial in the development of care models. Methods and design: A systematic literature review will be conducted. The following databases will be searched: CINAHL Plus with Full Text, MedicLatina, MEDLINE with Full Text, and Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection. The search strategy will include the following MesH or similar terms: Functional Profile, Self-Care, Older Persons, and Long-Term Care. The research will meet the timeline of January 2017 to August 2022. As inclusion criteria, only randomized studies with people aged 65 years or older with long-term care needs, written in English and Portuguese, will be included. Conclusion: This systematic literature review will allow us to identify indicators of the quality of long-term care, thus contributing to a better quality of life for the population.