Contributions of information and communication technologies for elderly during the Covid 19 pandemic: A scope review

Abstract

Social isolation was recommended for the entire population, due to new coronavirus, which causes COVID-19 infections, especially for the elderly and people with comorbidities. Technological resources through the use of the Internet were one of the possibilities found to face this phase. Objective: Analyze the contributions of the use of Information and Communication Technologies to minimize the impacts caused by the situation of distancing and social isolation in the daily lives of the elderly, thus listing the possibilities of the occupational therapist in this context. Methodology: This is a scope review based on the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology. Databases on SciELO, Google Scholar, Virtual Health Library, as well as other sources were used. The researched period covered the years 2020 and 2021. Results and Discussion: 135 articles were identified, of which 12 were selected. It was observed that ICTs were used with a special focus on two issues: social and digital inclusion and the maintenance of social bonds; and health promotion and education. However, the possibilities for intervention by the occupational therapist were aimed at training the elderly in the use of digital technologies and telemonitoring. Conclusion: The main contributions were the actions that promoted digital and social inclusion, enabling social participation and the maintenance of social bonds; and education and health promotion actions for the elderly, providing information about COVID-19, and the necessary care to avoid contamination, as well as other important issues for health promotion in confinement.