Developing a Frailty Care Pathway for Older Adults in Long-Term Care: A Modified Delphi Process

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Clinical Care Pathways
• Healthcare Management

Background:

• Frailty is a significant health concern for older adults in long-term care (LTC).
• Effective detection and management strategies are crucial for improving resident well-being.
• Existing care models may not adequately address the complexities of frailty in LTC settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a comprehensive clinical care pathway for the detection and management of frailty.
• To create a resident-centered approach tailored for older adults in LTC homes.
• To enhance early identification and intervention for frailty.

Main Methods:

• A modified Delphi methodology was employed, involving residents experiencing frailty, their caregivers, and care providers.
• The pathway was informed by a thorough review of existing literature and expert input from LTC professionals.
• Iterative feedback and consensus-building were central to the Delphi process.

Main Results:

• The final pathway comprises 28 statements, reflecting a consensus among 52 panelists.
• The pathway promotes a resident-centered approach, emphasizing caregiver collaboration and inter-professional teamwork.
• Key updates included adding six new statements and modifying 15 existing ones based on panelist feedback, focusing on frailty management and early palliative care.

Conclusions:

• Implementation of this pathway will enable healthcare providers to systematically screen for frailty.
• The pathway facilitates tailored care adaptation based on individual resident frailty severity.
• This approach supports earlier initiation of palliative care, improving quality of life for LTC residents.