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Older people's perception of being frail - a qualitative exploration.
- Source :
-
BMC geriatrics [BMC Geriatr] 2024 May 23; Vol. 24 (1), pp. 453. Date of Electronic Publication: 2024 May 23. - Publication Year :
- 2024
-
Abstract
- Background: Frailty is a suggested consequence of ageing, but with a variety of different definitions the understanding of what it means to be frail is challenging. There is a common belief that frailty results in a reduction of physical functioning and ability and therefore is likely to significantly affect a person's quality of life. The aim of this study was to explore the understanding of older people about the meaning of frailty and the potential consequences of being classified as frail.<br />Methods: This paper forms a secondary analysis of a process evaluation of a complex intervention that was embedded within the individually randomised Home-based Extended Rehabilitation of Older people (HERO) trial. A maximum variation, purposive sampling strategy sought to recruit participants with a wide range of characteristics. Data collection included observations of the delivery of the intervention, documentary analysis and semi-structured interviews with participants. Thematic analysis was used to make sense of the observational and interview data, adopting both inductive and deductive approaches.<br />Results: Ninety three HERO trial participants were sampled for the process evaluation with a total of 60 observational home visits and 35 interviews were undertaken. There was a wide range in perceptions about what it meant to be classified as frail with no clear understanding from our participants. However, there was a negative attitude towards frailty with it being considered something that needed to be avoided where possible. Frailty was seen as part of a negative decline that people struggled to associate with. There was discussion about frailty being temporary and that it could be reduced or avoided with sufficient physical exercise and activity.<br />Conclusion: Our study provides insight into how older people perceive and understand the concept of frailty. Frailty is a concept that is difficult for patients to understand, with most associating the term with an extreme degree of physical and cognitive decline. Having a label of being "frail" was deemed to be negative and something to be avoided, suggesting the term needs to be used cautiously.<br />Trial Registration: ISRCTN 13927531. Registered on April 19, 2017.<br /> (© 2024. The Author(s).)
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 1471-2318
- Volume :
- 24
- Issue :
- 1
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- BMC geriatrics
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 38783180
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1186/s12877-024-05079-x