Nurses' Opinions on Frailty

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Nursing Science
• Public Health

Background:

• Nurses frequently interact with frail older adults across diverse healthcare settings.
• Limited research exists on nursing perspectives regarding the concept of frailty.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore nurses' opinions on the concept of frailty.
• To examine associations between nurses' characteristics and their views on frailty.

Main Methods:

• A digital questionnaire was distributed to nurses and nursing assistants in the Netherlands (V&VN) in 2021.
• 251 participants completed the questionnaire, yielding a 32.1% response rate.
• The questionnaire covered keywords, domains, causes, consequences, reversal, prevention, and management of frailty.

Main Results:

• Nurses primarily associate frailty with physical deterioration and dementia, but also acknowledge social and psychological domains, indicating a holistic view.
• Nurses identified numerous causes and consequences of frailty.
• Nurses perceive opportunities for reversing frailty and recognize their significant role in this process.

Conclusions:

• Nurses possess a comprehensive understanding of frailty, encompassing multiple domains.
• Nurses are prepared to actively participate in the prevention and reversal of frailty.
• Further research should explore interventions informed by nurses' holistic perspectives on frailty.