A feasibility study of implementing grip strength measurement into routine hospital practice (GRImP): study protocol

Area of Science:

• Geriatric Medicine
• Clinical Practice Implementation
• Health Services Research

Background:

• Low handgrip strength in hospitalized patients indicates higher risk of adverse outcomes, including longer stays and mortality.
• Despite being a simple and inexpensive marker, handgrip strength measurement is not standard clinical practice.
• Routine measurement can improve identification of at-risk inpatients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the feasibility of integrating handgrip strength measurement into routine clinical practice for older inpatients.
• To assess the potential of grip strength testing to identify patients at risk of poor healthcare outcomes.
• To inform the transition of grip strength measurement from research to clinical application.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-methods feasibility study incorporating qualitative, quantitative, and economic elements.
• Three phases: baseline practice assessment, training program development and implementation, and acceptability/adoption evaluation.
• Utilized interviews, focus groups, clinical record reviews, and Normalisation Process Theory.

Main Results:

• The study is designed to provide data on the feasibility, acceptability, and cost-effectiveness of routine grip strength measurement.
• Results will highlight barriers and facilitators to implementation in acute medical settings for older adults.
• The findings will guide the integration of this valuable clinical tool.

Conclusions:

• Successful implementation of grip strength measurement can enhance early identification of at-risk older inpatients.
• This study will provide evidence to support the routine use of handgrip strength testing in clinical settings.
• Improving risk identification through grip strength can lead to better patient outcomes and healthcare efficiency.