FAMILY RISK AND MULTIDIMENSIONAL COMPLEXITY ASSESSMENT OF THE PATIENT UNDER HOME CARE

Introduction and Objective: The aging population, with more chronic-degenerative diseases and complications, is one of the main factors encouraging the development of Home Care (HC). Therefore, the selection of the patients and families to be assisted by this service should be systematized. This study aims to identify instruments to help select priority patients for HC assistance, both for the Family Health Strategy (FHS), and the Better at Home Program. Method: Individual and family risk assessment instruments were used, with the intent of directing the home visits more effectively. The Coelho and Savassi Scales define the family risk, and the HC Complexity Scale and attachments define individual risk and recurrence of patient visits. Results and Conclusions: These instruments optimize the assistance of patients with difficulty moving to a Health Center. By using these instruments, it is possible to responsibly systematize and ensure access to assistance for these people. Tailoring visits, to the family and/or individual need avoids unnecessary or disorderly visits. Home Care Assistance is expanding and a systematization is necessary to accomplish its objectives. The Coelho and Savassi Scale and HC Complexity Scale and attachments prove themselves to be effective in defining and prioritizing the patients for this Assistance category.