Presenter(s):

Efrain Alcolumbre, BENEVIDES, Brazil

Abstract

The article addresses the importance of the multidimensional assessment of the elderly, highlighting that this approach considers physical, mental, functional, social, and environmental aspects. This assessment enables healthcare professionals to identify the specific needs of elderly individuals, promoting more personalized and effective care. Among its benefits are the early detection of health problems, fall prevention, maintenance of autonomy, and emotional support. Furthermore, this practice allows for the identification of socio-environmental factors that affect quality of life, such as housing, social support networks, and access to services.

Based on this, an intervention project was developed to implement the Multidimensional Assessment of the Elderly (AMDPI) in the 17 Basic Health Units (UBS) of Benevides, using the Clinical-Functional Vulnerability Index 20 (IVCF-20) as the main tool.

The specific objectives of the project included:

– Training doctors, nurses, and community health agents to apply the IVCF-20;
– Implementing the AMDPI in all the UBS units of the municipality;
– Conducting personalized training sessions for Community Health Agents (ACS), ensuring that everyone was capable of applying the index.

The methodology adopted was divided into 18 stages, beginning with the training of higher-level professionals (doctors and nurses), followed by individualized training of the ACS in their respective UBS units. The training sessions took place between May 2024 and February 2025. After the training, each team was required to apply the IVCF-20 to at least one elderly patient from their area, with a follow-up visit by the training team for evaluation and feedback.

The results were significant. A total of 18 training sessions were conducted, and a substantial increase in the application of the IVCF-20 and the recording of AMDPI was observed. For comparison, in 2020, there were no records of assessments; in 2021, only one was recorded. This number rose to five in 2022, nineteen in 2023, and 360 in 2024. In the first three months of 2025 alone, 1,289 assessments had already been recorded. These data confirm the effectiveness of the project and the engagement of the teams after the training sessions.

The article concludes that the intervention plan was effective, with all 17 Family Health Teams and 3 Primary Care Teams (EAPs) carrying out the AMDPI based on the IVCF-20. Although the results are positive, the text emphasizes that there is still room for improvement, highlighting the need for continuous strategic actions to ensure that all elderly individuals have access to qualified assessments and appropriate care, thus promoting a healthier, safer, and more independent aging process.

Bio(s):

Efrain Alcolumbre is a Nurse, Specialist in Primary Health Care with an Emphasis on the Family Health Strategy. He is also a Specialist in Gerontology. He graduated from the State University of Pará. Currently, he works as a nurse at the Emergency Care Unit (UPA) in Icoaraci. In the municipality of Benevides, he holds coordination positions in men’s health, elderly health, chronic non-communicable diseases, and the tobacco control program. He also serves as a representative of the Benevides Health Department on the Municipal Council for the Elderly and on the Benevides Municipal Health Council as a Workers’ Representative. Additionally, he is the focal point for Benevides in the PAHO/WHO Age-Friendly Cities and Communities Project.