Nurse Guidance for the Caregiver of the Elderly Person with an Artificial Pacemaker during the Hospital-Home Transition

Abstract

Introduction: Given the benefits of pacemaker implantation for survival and improvement in the quality of life of the elderly, the need is highlighted for nurse guidance in preparing the patient and the family/caregiver in order to favor recovery and rehabilitation at home.

Objective: To understand how nurses guide the caregiver of the elderly person with an artificial pacemaker with respect to care during the hospital-home transition.

Methods: A qualitative research, based on Afaf Meleis’ transitions theory, was carried out. Fourteen nurses participated in the study, out of a total of 35 attending the hospitalization units specialized in cardiology and surgery at a philanthropic hospital located in Salvador, Bahia. The collection was conducted between August and November 2020 by means of semistructured interviews. The data were organized using the methodological referential of the collective subject discourse.

Results: The 14 nurses guided caregivers of elderly people with artificial pacemakers. Four categories emerged: continuity of care, continuity of care for the elderly with a pacemaker, care guidelines, and involvement of the family member and the caregiver.

Conclusions: The study revealed that nurses recognize the need for caregiver involvement in hospital discharge preparation and planning to ensure a safe transition.