Abstract
BackgroundIn addition to the normal process of ageing, frailty, defined as a geriatric syndrome, is becoming more prevalent. Around 10% of people over 65 years and 25–50% of those aged over 85 years are frail. Frail elderly are more vulnerable to external stressors and have an increased risk of adverse health outcomes. To tackle these challenges, European Union (EU) member states need to develop a health work force capable of the right skills mix. A goal-centred education and training of professionals is crucial for effective and efficient health care delivery for Europe’s greying population.AimsThe aim of this study was to systematically collect, review and critically appraise studies carried out to investigate the efficacy and effectiveness of comprehensive educational programmes for health professionals related to frailty prevention and/or frailty management.MethodsA systematic review was carried out searching the databases PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane CENTRAL, Medline, Up to date and Embase. Additionally, a manual search of the reference lists and searches via Google Scholar and greylit.org was done.ResultsNo relevant publications addressing the evidence and sustainability of educational/training programmes for frailty prevention and/or frailty management were identified.DiscussionThe result of an empty review is surprising because several educational programmes in different countries are currently run.ConclusionsA significant knowledge gap exists in the scientific literature regarding education and training of health care workers regarding prevention and management of frailty. Further research is needed to identify effective educational strategies for health professionals to prevent and manage frailty.
Highlights
The aim of this study was to systematically collect, review and critically appraise studies carried out to investigate the efficacy and effectiveness of educational programmes for health professionals related to frailty prevention and/or frailty management
The majority of articles did not address the search key criteria as they did not refer to educational programmes
In the comprehensive literature search presented in this study, no proof of efficacy or effectiveness of educational programmes for health care professionals to prevent frailty and functional decline of older people and published in international scientific literature could be detected
Summary
The well-known demographic shift towards an increasing number of older people is well documented from the most developed countries to the lowest income regions This presents challenges for societies [1, 2]. Extended author information available on the last page of the article and health care systems [3] In this context of understanding, frailty has become more common in addition to the normal ageing process. Frail elderly are more vulnerable to external stressors and have an increased risk of adverse health outcomes To tackle these challenges, European Union (EU) member states need to develop a health work force capable of the right skills mix. Aims The aim of this study was to systematically collect, review and critically appraise studies carried out to investigate the efficacy and effectiveness of comprehensive educational programmes for health professionals related to frailty prevention and/or frailty management. Further research is needed to identify effective educational strategies for health professionals to prevent and manage frailty
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