Serviço de assistência domiciliar e sua influência na qualidade de vida dos pacientes: revisão integrativa

Abstract

Home care assistance is characterized as a model of care aimed at ensuring continuity of health services within the patient’s home, comprehending actions of health promotion, prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation, delivered by multidisciplinary teams. This study attempts to identify, in the scientific literature, the strengths and weaknesses of home care services regarding patients’ quality of life. This is an integrative literature review with a qualitative and descriptive approach, conducted using the databases Virtual Health Library, LILACS, BDENF, and MEDLINE. Data collection took place in October 10 and 15, 2025, using the descriptors “Home Care Services,” “Quality of Life,” and “Homebound Patients,” combined with the Boolean operator AND. Articles published between 2019 and 2024, available in full text and written in Portuguese, English, or Spanish, were included. After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, seven studies formed the final sample. The analysis of the results allowed the organization of the content into three thematic categories: autonomy and self-care; influence of home health care on patients’ quality of life; and clinical outcomes and patient safety. The studies indicated that home care assistance has the potential to promote self-care, reduce hospitalizations, and improve psychological well-being, although it does not consistently result in significant improvements in quality of life indicators. Weaknesses related to patient safety and the need for greater involvement of patients and their families in the care process were also identified. It is concluded that home care assistance represents a relevant strategy in health care delivery, however, it requires continuous improvement to ensure quality, safety, and patient-centered care.