Health technologies in home care: concept analysis.

Abstract

The aim is to analyze the concept of health technologies in home care. Concept analysis, guided by the Walker and Avant method, based on an integrative literature review. Eighty-one studies were selected, from which the attributes, antecedents and consequences of the concept were extracted and model, borderline and contrary cases were elaborated. The attributes found were knowledge applied to care; health communication resources; patient assistive products; electronic equipment and objects for adapting and monitoring the environment. The health needs of patients and improvements in the management and provision of care stood out as antecedents. Among the consequences, improvements in access, care, communication and management of data and/or information stood out. Health technology in HC revealed itself as applied knowledge, resources and communication strategies, objects, materials and equipment, electronic or not, used to monitor, adapt, generate information and interactions and assist, continuously, in person or remotely, in rehabilitation, recovery and/or maintenance of health.