Managing care for older adults with tuberculosis in Primary Care: an integrative review

Abstract Objective: to analyze the available knowledge on the management of care for older adults with tuberculosis in primary care. Method: an integrative literature review was performed in the following databases, based on articles from 2008 to 2017: the Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences (LILACS), International Health Sciences Literature (MEDLINE) and the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINALH). The sample consisted of six scientific articles, considering the established inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data collection took place in June 2018, using an instrument with information relevant to the proposed objective. Results: the selected studies identified weaknesses and challenges in primary health care health services regarding professional skills and knowledge, the entry point to the diagnosis of tuberculosis, the link between professionals and patients, and the logistics of health services. Conclusion: a health policy that expands the response of the government and health professionals to the needs of older adults with tuberculosis is recommended, in line with the principles of the Brazilian National Health Service. This health policy would support improving the skills and knowledge of professionals at the entry point to the diagnosis of the disease and enhancing the link between professionals and patients, and the logistics of health services. Health technology could be used to accompany the nursing team in the management of care in geriatric and gerontological research and practice.