Home visits as a method of post-discharge surveillance after orthopedic surgery: an integrative review

Abstract

This is an integrative review study with the objective of achieving a survey of scientific production on postdischarge surveillance methods. Home visits are emphasized in the context of orthopedic surgery follow-up. From April to June, 2008 publications on the issue were accessed using LILACS, BDENF, MEDLINE, Scielo and PUBMED database, as well as USP and UFMG thesis and essays database. Eighteen scientific articles, three books, one thesis and one essay were found. Two articles (11%) studied home visits as a postdischarge surveillance method, and another two articles mentioned surveillance after orthopedic surgery. We conclude that there is still a lack in scientific literature regarding these issues. This work is part of a new observational study that aims to assess home visits effectiveness as a surveillance method in the institution were scientific researches are carried out.