Integrative review of the literature on hospitalizations of older people for conditions sensitive to Primary Care in Brazil.

Abstract

Hospitalizations for ambulatory care sensitive conditions (ACSCs) are preventable with adequate primary care (PC). For the elderly population, they are important due to their greater vulnerability to chronic diseases and comorbidities. Objective: to carry out an integrative review of articles on ACSCs in the elderly and their correlation with indicators of access to primary care. The research was carried out on the BVS and PUBMED databases. Inclusion criteria: relationship between ICSAP and PA, publications from 2000 to 2022, analysis of the elderly age group, statistical methods, Portuguese, Spanish or English languages and indexing in peer-reviewed journals. We identified 315 publications and selected 15, 12 of which focused on the elderly population. The South and Southeast regions were the most analyzed, and the year most investigated was 2012. Coverage of the Family Health Strategy was the most commonly used indicator. A reduction in ACSC rates in the elderly was positively correlated with access to PHC. Monitoring ACSCs is an important tool for managing the health of the elderly, with PH playing a strategic role in reducing hospitalizations, minimizing risks and promoting healthy ageing.