Healthcare pathways of the elderly in one health region in the Federal District, Brazil

ABSTRACT The aim was to identify the healthcare pathways of the elderly in one health region in the Federal District and their perceptions about these pathways. A qualitative study analyzed 14 healthcare pathways of elderly people, using tracer methodology. Interviews were conducted with the elderly and caregivers, processed by content analysis; and medical records were reviewed. Maps of the paths described were prepared by geoprocessing. It was found that the actual healthcare pathways taken by the elderly differ from what law would predict, and that the weaknesses detected were related to poor accessibility conditions, lack of professionals, lack of medicines, and the long waiting time for specialized health care. The expectations reported by the elderly involved humanization of care, emerging elements such as being well received by the personnel, the building of bonds, qualified listening, and a feeling of well-being after the medical consultation. Although the care model is still fragmented and far from ideal, users feel satisfied with the care provision and identify positive aspects in the health care process. However, the organization of work processes and the articulation between levels of health care need to be reviewed and adapted to the specificities of this life phase.