Prevention of functional decline in hospitalized older adults: a scoping review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.15343/0104-7809.202650e19822026IKeywords:
Nursing Care, Functional Status, Exercise, Hospitalization, AgedAbstract
The increase in average life expectancy poses significant challenges to hospital care, particularly regarding the prevention of functional decline during hospitalization. This study aimed to map the strategies described in the literature and identify relevant contributions to clinical practice, focusing on nursing interventions directed at the prevention of functional decline in hospitalized older adults. A scoping review was conducted in accordance with the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology, based on the PCC framework (Population: older adults; Concept: functional decline and nursing care; Context: hospitalization), through a search carried out in March 2025 across multiple databases. Fifteen articles were included for full-text analysis. The results highlighted three main thematic areas: factors promoting functional decline, factors facilitating functionality, and interdisciplinary care with nursing contributions. Among the identified strategies, early mobilization, continuous functional assessment, family involvement, promotion of self-care, and implementation of structured protocols stand out. The findings also highlight the role of nursing in the assessment, coordination, and continuity of care directed at the preservation of functional autonomy. It is concluded that nursing assumes a central role in the prevention of functional decline and in the promotion of functional autonomy of hospitalized older adults.
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