Professional competencies in primary health care for attending to older adults

Objective: to identify and analyze the necessary competencies in primary health care for attending to older adults. Methods: An exploratory, descriptive, and quali-quantitative study was developed. Three rounds of the Delphi Technique were conducted with participants from primary health care services and a multidisciplinary committee. The first questionnaire asked participants to indicate the competencies needed for attending to older adults in primary health care. They were compiled into a list and added to a Likert Scale (from 1 to 5) for the second and third questionnaires. A consensus criterion of 70% was adopted. Results: Twenty eight competencies were reached by consensus and were classified into twelve domains. Conclusions: the competencies reflect Brazilian health care policy and constitute a reference for professional health practice and education when caring for the older adult in primary health care.