The modified Hospital Elder Life Program: adapting a complex intervention for feasibility and scalability in a...

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Nursing Science
• Evidence-Based Practice

Background:

• The Hospital Elder Life Program (HELP) is a proven intervention for reducing delirium and functional decline in older patients.
• Complex interventions like HELP often require adaptation to suit local contexts and specific patient groups.
• Identifying shared risk factors is crucial for effective intervention modification.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present the rationale and methods for adapting the Hospital Elder Life Program (HELP).
• To detail the modification of HELP by focusing on three core risk factors: functional, nutritional, and cognitive status.
• To facilitate the adoption of evidence-based interventions by sharing adaptation protocols.

Main Methods:

• Selected three key elements (functional, nutritional, cognitive status) based on shared risk factors.
• Developed three targeted nursing protocols: early mobilization, nutritional assistance, and orienting communication.
• Adapted, refined, and pilot-tested the modified protocols for feasibility and efficacy.

Main Results:

• The adapted HELP, focusing on three key nursing protocols, was refined and pilot-tested.
• The pilot testing assessed the feasibility and efficacy of the modified intervention.
• Specific results on feasibility and efficacy are detailed within the full study.

Conclusions:

• Adapting complex interventions like HELP is necessary for diverse healthcare settings and populations.
• A focused approach targeting functional, nutritional, and cognitive status through specific nursing protocols can be effective.
• Sharing the rationale and protocols for modified evidence-based interventions aids in advancing nursing practice.