Use of The VES-13 and IVCF-20 Instruments for Risk Stratification of the Older Adults By Primary Care Professionals

Objective: To analyze the use of the Vulnerable Elders Survey 13 (VES-13) and the 20-item Clinical-Functional Vulnerability Index (IVCF-20) instruments in identifying vulnerable elderly individuals or those at risk of vulnerability. Theoretical Framework: The index of vulnerable elderly individuals or those at risk of vulnerability is approximately 30%, justifying the need for research to verify the instruments used by health professionals in their identification. Method: Quantitative approach through a descriptive study. Data collection was carried out through a questionnaire administered to professionals from the Health Strategy teams in a municipality in 2022. Results and Discussion: The VES-13 is the most used instrument by health professionals. However, there were evident difficulties in interpreting the collected data and effectively applying it to improve elderly care. The IVCF-20 was unknown to almost all participants. Research Implications: Based on the results, an extension course was conducted to promote the IVCF-20 to nursing professionals and to recommend training for other professionals. Originality/Value: This study, by analyzing the knowledge and practice of the participants, encouraged the adoption of measures for both the municipality’s adoption of the most updated elderly vulnerability risk stratification index (IVCF-20) and the training of health professionals involved in care.