Teleconsultation in the prevention and control of older persons’ health with regard to the COVID-19 pandemic: study protocol

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To report the following study protocol: “Prevention program for older persons’ health care focusing on the COVID-19 pandemic in the city of Recife – PE.” METHODS: An action research study was conducted with 151 older people of both sexes residing in the 8 health districts of Recife, Brazil. A teleconsultation service was used to converse with participants. Activities were organized into 2 moments: diagnosis and intervention. A guided conversation strategy was used, dealing with issues related to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) prevention; social isolation; thoughts, emotions, and spirituality; family and community support; and personal development and ground rules for everyday life. The intervention with each older person happened weekly for 12 weeks and was characterized by listening to them and exchanging knowledge with the aim of bonding and optimizing adherence and compliance to COVID-19 prevention and control measures. Our data analysis followed 3 approaches: cross-sectional (multivariate regression model), quasi-experimental (analysis of standardized residuals), and qualitative (interview and content analysis). EXPECTED RESULTS AND RELEVANCE: The construction of scientific knowledge is a key strategy when faced with the great challenge to global collective health presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. Data generated in this study may contribute to the improvement of knowledge, attitudes, and preventive practices, as well as to a good acceptance of the prevention program by older participants.