The light of Florence Nightingale in the care for COVID-19 patients in primary health care

Abstract

Objective To analyze the contributions of Florence Nightingale`s care model in the COVID- 19 pandemic. Method Reflection that addresses her theoretical model and its validity in this pandemic, using interpretative research methods and limiting nursing care to primary care. Results Some pandemics that have caused great impact in humanity are reviewed throughout history; the evolution of nursing care in relation to pandemics is studied; the genesis of community nursing is considered, and Nightingale’s care model is reviewed in COVID-19. Conclusions Florence Nightingale's thinking withstands the passage of time and, today, as the COVID-19 pandemic rages across the planet, her concept of holistic care and her idea of the art of nursing take on special significance by considering the context involving patients, families and communities.

Inter-relações da teoria ambientalista de Florence Nightingale e a teoria ecossistêmica

“…18 Faz-se necessário reafirmar o compromisso científico, humano, ético e social da ciência de enfermagem em reconhecer o valor dos princípios da TA interligado com o referencial teórico-filosófico da TE, cujos conceitos e princípios se interligam ao apontar o ambiente como elemento importante no processo de cuidado reparativo de cura das enfermidades e bem-estar dos enfermos (TA) e no processo saúde/doença/cuidado (TE). 11,19 Nessa acepção, para um processo de saúde/doença/ cuidado de qualidade, é necessário conhecer o ambiente no qual o ser humano vive e verificar os elementos que interferem nesse processo e tentar alcançar o equilíbrio dinâmico, incentivando a autopoiese/auto-organização do usuário. Essa forma de cuidado leva ao autoconhecimento e, assim, pode se transformar em possibilidades de auto-organização para promover o bem-estar, a qualidade de vida e consequentemente, obter mais saúde.…”

Interrelations between Florence Nightingale’s environmentalist theory and the ecosystem theory

“…18 It becomes necessary to reaffirm the scientific, human, ethical and social commitment of the Nursing science to recognize the value of the Environmentalist Theory principles integrated to the theoretical-philosophical framework of the Ecosystem Theory, whose concepts and principles are interconnected by pointing out the environment as an important element in the reparative care process for curing diseases and achieving well-being in the sick (Environmentalist Theory) and in the health/disease/care process (Ecosystem Theory). 11,19 In this sense, for a good quality health/disease/care process, it is necessary to know the environment in which each human being lives, to check the elements that interfere in this process and try to achieve dynamic balance, encouraging users' autopoiesis/ self-organization. This care modality leads to self-knowledge and, thus, can be transformed into possibilities for self-organization to promote well-being, quality of life and, consequently, enhance health.…”