COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKERS’ KNOWLEDGE OF FRAILTY IN OLDER ADULTS IN THE CONTEXT OF PRIMARY HEALTH CARE: AN INTEGRATIVE LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

Introduction: Frailty in older adults represents a challenge for Primary Health Care (PHC), requiring the timely identification of care needs. In this context, Community Health Workers (CHWs) can contribute through home visits and community-based follow-up. Objective: To analyze the available scientific evidence on Community Health Workers’ knowledge of frailty in older adults within the context of Primary Health Care. Methodology: This is an integrative literature review guided by the PICo strategy. Searches were conducted in the Virtual Health Library (VHL), including the LILACS, MEDLINE, and BDENF databases, using descriptors related to Community Health Workers, older adults, frailty, and Primary Health Care. Studies published within the previous five years, in Portuguese, English, or Spanish, were considered according to the established eligibility criteria. Results and Discussion: The studies addressed CHWs’ experiences in caring for older adults, home visits, vulnerability, clinical-functional assessment, and training strategies. The findings highlighted the importance of knowledge of the local territory, relationships with families, and communication with the multidisciplinary team in identifying care needs and promoting continuity of care. However, recognizing vulnerabilities does not necessarily mean specifically identifying frailty, highlighting the need for training focused on this topic. Conclusion: Community Health Workers play an important role in the community-based follow-up of older adults. However, recognizing frailty requires specific knowledge, continuing education, and coordination with the Primary Health Care team.