Communication on the part of the elderly in the development of instrumental activities of daily life: ethno-nursing

Abstract

Aim: To understand the communication established by the elderly who attend groups for seniors in the development of Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL). Method: This is a qualitative, descriptive and ethnographic study. The setting will be an extension project for seniors at a public university in Niterói (RJ), Brazil. We involved the elderly as key informants, and the practitioners who work directly with them were likewise involved as general informants. For the production of data the following were used: (I) observation without participation; (II) observation with limited participation; (III) participation with continuous observation and (IV) reflection and reconfirmation of results. For data analysis the following were utilized: (I) description and documentation of raw data; (II) identification and categorization of descriptors and components; (III) standard and textual analysis and (IV) major issues, research results, theoretical formulations and recommendations. Expected results: To establish an intervention plan with regard to methods for improving communication for IADL that may promote the autonomy and independence of seniors.