Health care of the Elderly in a semi-rural community with a methodology of participatory-action-research focused on the occupational perspective

• Main Authors: Cristina Bolaños, Gabriel Martinez, Gregorio Ramos
• Format: Article
• Language: Spanish
• Published: Universidad de Chile 2017-06-01
• Series: Revista Chilena de Terapia Ocupacional
• Online Access: https://revistaterapiaocupacional.uchile.cl/index.php/RTO/article/view/46374

The objective of the study was to identify the health care needs of the elderly in a semi - rural community, their existing support networks and to develop a healthcare project for this population from an occupational perspective. A mixed, three-phase methodology was used. In Phase I, a descriptive, transverse and correlational design was employed, followed by a combined quantitative and qualitative design in Phase II and a qualitative methodology in Phase III. In the latter two phases, a Participatory–Action-Research Methodology and Community Based Rehabilitation was used. Results. The occupational resources and health needs of the elderly in the community were identified. These resources and needs became the basis for the development of an awareness and training program for the caregivers. A rehabilitation support program was also implemented. Social network resources and needs were identified and generated a support group for the elderly in a vulnerable situation. This project allowed to connect different actors involved in the healthcare of the elderly. It also raised awareness among the elderly regarding the value of their own knowledge and their contribution to the social fabric of the community. The involvement of undergraduate and graduate interns in occupational therapy throughout the project facilitated covering different types of health needs as well as to expand the number of beneficiaries. It also gave students the opportunity to get involved and to work directly in the community through the identification of the occupational needs of the population as a means to intervene more effectively.