Hospital-Based Health Professionals' Perceptions of Frailty in Older People

Area of Science:

• Geriatric Medicine
• Healthcare Management
• Health Psychology

Background:

• Frailty is highly prevalent in older hospital patients.
• Existing frailty guidelines face implementation challenges.
• Understanding health professional perspectives is key to overcoming barriers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore health professional attitudes, knowledge, and beliefs regarding frailty.
• To identify barriers and enablers for implementing frailty guidelines.
• Focus on multidisciplinary teams in hospital rehabilitation settings.

Main Methods:

• Conducted 23 semistructured interviews with healthcare professionals.
• Utilized the Framework Method for thematic analysis.
• Involved thematic coding by two independent researchers.

Main Results:

• Identified 8 themes across 3 domains: diagnosing, communicating, and managing frailty.
• Clinicians question the benefits of diagnosing frailty and avoid screening tools.
• Stigma associated with frailty and reluctance to use the term 'frail' with patients were noted.

Conclusions:

• Guideline implementation is hindered by staff avoidance of the term 'frail' and a focus on individual aspects over the holistic syndrome.
• Clinical champions and targeted education on identification, management, and communication are crucial.
• Improving care continuity and community resources are essential for effective frailty management.