Hora de cuidar: uma aplicação web para acompanhamento e gerenciamento de prescrição de medicamentos para idosos

Abstract

Older adults represent approximately 15.6% of the Brazilian population and constantly require healthcare-related attention. Many of them must follow medication intake routines; however, factors such as forgetfulness, cognitive limitations, and physical frailty hinder therapeutic adherence. In this context, there is a clear need for solutions that assist in the management and monitoring of medications related to comorbidities. This work presents the development of the Hora de Cuidar web application, integrated with a mobile application, which allows older adults to remember and confirm the use of their prescribed medications. The system was built using modern technologies such as Vue.js, Node.js, PostgreSQL and Firebase, enabling realtime integration and synchronization between both platforms. The software workflow followed several stages: management is carried out by healthcare professionals through the web platform, while the older adult’s daily monitoring can be performed by caregivers (family members or guardians), who play a key role in medication adherence and serve as a communication link between healthcare professionals and older adults. The application enables older adults to confirm medication intake through the mobile app, which sends automatic medication reminders and allows healthcare professionals to access the daily medication intake history via the web platform. The solution was evaluated through a field questionnaire applied to elderly users, focusing on usability and effectiveness aspects. The results demonstrated effectiveness in improving therapeutic adherence and good user satisfaction with the developed solution.