Behavioral changes as a nursing care strategy: an integrative review

revisão integrativa

Abstract

This study aims to understand how behavioral changes can be used as a nursing care strategy. Data were collected from LILACS, CINAHL and PUBMED databases, using the keywords in Portuguese and English behavioral changes and nursing care as well as behavior therapy and nursing care in PUBMED. The final sample consisted of 24 studies. The majority (n= 17) took place in the United States and was carried out by nurses (n= 21), using different behavioral change strategies, with a systematic review (n= 9), meta-analysis (n=1) or experimental (n=9) methodology, and with evidence levels 1 and 2 (n=17). Results suggest that behavioral changes exert a positive effect by reducing pain, anxiety and behavioral symptoms in cancer, dementia and Alzheimer's disease patients. Well-designed and controlled studies are still necessary to contribute to the utilization of this strategy