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Understanding frailty: meanings and beliefs about screening and prevention across key stakeholder groups in Europe

Authors :
Donata Kurpas
Holly Gwyther
Silvia Riva
Antonio Cano
Maura Marcucci
Rachel L. Shaw
Maria Bujnowska
Barbara D'Avanzo
Carol Holland
Source :
Ageing and Society. 38:1223-1252
Publication Year :
2017
Publisher :
Cambridge University Press (CUP), 2017.

Abstract

Innovative methods to manage frailty are critical to managing the needs of an ageing population. Evidence suggests there are opportunities to reverse or prevent frailty through early intervention. However, little is known about older adults’, families’ and practitioners’ beliefs about the malleability of frailty. This study examined European stakeholders’ accounts of the acceptability and feasibility of frailty screening and prevention to inform future intervention development. Semi-structured focus groups and individual interviews were conducted in three European Union countries (Italy, Poland and the United Kingdom) with key stakeholders – frail and non-frail older adults, family care-givers, and health and social care professionals. Thematic analysis identified four themes: synchronicity between the physical and the psychological in frailty, living with frailty in the social world, the need for a new kind of care, and screening for and preventing frailty. Findings emphasised the need for a holistic approach to frailty care and early intervention. Integrated care services and advocacy were important in the organisation of care. Central to all stakeholders was the significance of the psychological and social alongside the physical elements of frailty and frailty prevention. Support and care for older adults and their family care-givers needs to be accessible and co-ordinated. Interventions to prevent frailty must encompass a social dimension to help older adults maintain a sense of self while building physical and psychological resilience.

Details

ISSN :
14691779 and 0144686X
Volume :
38
Database :
OpenAIRE
Journal :
Ageing and Society
Accession number :
edsair.doi...........d2fa622b112f99dd67df2474f1984094
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1017/s0144686x17000745