The Detection and Prevention of Frailty and/or Functional Decline among Older People in Long-Term Care Contexts

Older people receiving healthcare in long-term care contexts are especially vulnerable to developing frailty and functional decline. Considering the negative effects associated with these conditions and the possibility of preventing them from progressing, it is vital that nurses possess a broad knowledge base related to them and are supported by an effective model of care. Hence the objective of this project is to generate knowledge related to frailty and functional decline per se, the related nursing practice and the context of such practice, from the perspective of different stakeholders. Additionally, to develop a model of care to support nursing staffs’ decision-making processes in relation to the detection and prevention of these conditions among older people in long-term care contexts. 

This research project follows the Medical Research Council’s (MRC) updated framework for complex interventions andpursues to minimise waste of research. Consequently, the research design will be iteratively developed. A tentative mixed methods design has been developed, i.e., i) a literature study, ii) a qualitative exploratory study using observations, document analysis and interviews, iii) a qualitative descriptive study using focus groups, and iv) a quasi-experimental study. This project may contribute to decrease possible negative health outcomes related to frailty and functional decline, as well as to subsequently improve how continuity- and quality of long-term care is perceived among different stakeholders. 

Project Publications:
Flyum I.R., Gjevjon E.R., Josse-Eklund A., Lærum-Onsager E & Borglin G. (2022) Nursing, frailty, functional decline and models of care in relation to older people receiving long-term care: a scoping review protocol. 

BMJ Open, 12:e061303. doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2022-061303

Supervisors

External: Anna Josse Eklund

PhD-student