O enfermeiro na avaliação do risco de queda em idosos na atenção primária: revisão de escopo

Abstract

Introduction: Population aging has significant implications for public health, with the incidence of falls being one of the main challenges to elderly autonomy. These falls result from the interaction of internal factors, such as muscle strength loss and balance disorders, and external factors, such as inadequate home environments. Given this scenario, it is essential to understand the strategies adopted by healthcare professionals, especially nurses, in assessing and preventing falls in the elderly population. Objective: This study aimed to map the approaches used by nurses in assessing fall risk among older adults in Primary Health Care (PHC). Methodology: This is a scoping review conducted following the guidelines of the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) and reported according to the PRISMA-ScR protocol. The guiding question was formulated based on the PCC strategy (Population, Concept, and Context), and the search was carried out in databases such as LILACS, Scopus, and PubMed, including gray literature. Studies published between 2019 and 2024 were considered, excluding literature reviews and non-scientific documents. Results and Discussion: The analysis of 21 studies revealed that most addressed preventive interventions, such as physical exercises, care bundles, and interactive gerontechnologies, demonstrating a positive impact on fall reduction. However, challenges such as organizational barriers, resource limitations, and a lack of standardization in applying assessment scales were identified. Instruments such as frailty scales and CIPE® terminological subsets were highlighted as useful tools, although their implementation still faces structural difficulties. Furthermore, interprofessional collaboration proved to be essential for the effectiveness of prevention strategies, requiring greater integration among different healthcare professionals. Final Considerations: This review reinforces the importance of nurses' role in adopting personalized strategies that integrate educational approaches and clinical practices. To ensure the effectiveness of these actions, interprofessional collaboration, standardized protocols, and the use of assistive technologies are essential. Despite the progress made, challenges remain in consolidating sustainable practices in PHC, requiring investments in professional training and structural improvements to enhance elderly safety and the quality of care provided.