Abstract
BackgroundMore people are living with frailty and requiring additional health and support services. To improve their management, the “Frailty: Core Capability Framework” in the United Kingdom recommends frailty education for older individuals, their families, carers and health professionals. We performed a systematic review of specific educational programmes for these groups.MethodsElectronic databases were searched using dedicated search terms and inclusion criteria. To improve accuracy, two reviewers carried out the screening and selection of research papers. Information from included studies was collected using a tailored data extraction template, and quality appraisal tools were used to assess the rigour of the studies. The findings were analysed to identify key themes.ResultsA total of 11 studies met the criteria and were included in the review. The study populations ranged from 12 to 603 and the research designs were heterogeneous (6 qualitative; 2 randomised controlled trials; 1 quasi-experimental; 1 mixed methods; 1 cross-sectional study). Whilst some methodological shortcomings were identified, all studies contributed valuable information. The results underwent narrative synthesis, which elucidated four thematic domains: (1) accessibility of educational programmes, (2) empowerment, (3) self-care, and (4) health promotion (especially exercise and nutrition).ConclusionEducational programmes for older people, their carers and health professionals are important for effective frailty prevention and management. To be maximally beneficial, they should be easily accessible to all target populations and include empowerment, self-care and health promotion. Further research should explore the formulation of widely applicable, user-friendly programmes and delivery formats that can be tailored to different client groups.
Highlights
As the population ages, more people are living with frailty and the demands on health and social care systems are significantly greater [1]
26 papers were excluded by both reviewers (9 had ineligible participants according to the inclusion criteria; 6 were conference plenaries which were not subsequently published; 5 were systematic reviews that did not aid the research question of this review; 2 were RCT protocols without reported results; 2 were not research papers; 1 opinion piece; 1 could not be accessed)
One other study which did not appear in the computerised searches and involved lay volunteers in the role of educating and training frail people in their homes, met the selection criteria and was included
Summary
More people are living with frailty and the demands on health and social care systems are significantly greater [1]. Around 50% of people who are over the age of 65 years are living with some level of frailty [2]. Just like other LCTs, such as diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, obstructive pulmonary disease, frailty is chronic, progressive and can fluctuate. It is manageable but not curable and adversely affects quality of life [4]. Considering frailty as an LTC, and appreciating its impact on people and their families, are components of the general practitioners’ (GPs) contract in the United Kingdom (UK) and this includes recommendations for frailty prevention and management [5]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
