Frailty syndrome in community care – tips for patients and caregivers
Zespół słabości (ZS) jest dynamicznym stanem charakteryzującym się zmniejszeniem fizjologicznych rezerw organizmu, osłabieniem odporności na czynniki stresogenne oraz zaburzeniami funkcjonowania układów ciała. W ZS dochodzi do zmniejszenia masy ciała i siły mięśniowej, problemów z poruszaniem się, utrzymaniem równowagi oraz do zmniejszenia aktywności fizycznej. Wyróżniamy trzy stadia zespołu słabości: wczesny ZS (pre- -frail), zespół słabości (frail) oraz powikłania zespołu słabości. Głównym czynnikiem ryzyka wystąpienia ZS jest wiek podeszły, ale znaczenie mają również czynniki genetyczne, środowiskowe, styl życia oraz choroby współistniejące. Do rozpoznania ZS stosuje się m.in. skalę Frie…
Patient-centred access to health care: a framework analysis of the care interface for frail older adults
Abstract Background The objective of this study was to explore the issues surrounding access to health and social care services for frail older adults with Polish stakeholders, including healthy and frail/pre-frail older adults, health care providers, social care providers, and caregivers, in order to determine their views and perspectives on the current system and to present suggestions for the future development of a more accessible and person-centred health and social care system. Methods Focus groups were used to gather qualitative data from stakeholders. Data were analysed using framework analysis according to five dimensions of accessibility to care: approachability, acceptability, av…
A qualitative study examining everyday frailty management strategies adopted by Polish stakeholders
Abstract Background: Frailty is a multidimensional clinical state that is common in older age and can be managed through intervention. Strategies to manage frailty have not been previously explored with stakeholders in Poland. This may stem from misperceptions about the nature and malleability of frailty, which has resulted in it being viewed as a lower priority healthcare concern. Objectives: To explore stakeholders’ views to determine whether there are effective everyday strategies that they can adopt to reduce, reverse or prevent frailty. Methods: Semi-structured focus groups were conducted with five stakeholder groups (frail/pre-frail and robust older adults, health and social care prof…
The use of technology in the context of frailty screening and management interventions: a study of stakeholders’ perspectives
Abstract Background Health and social care interventions show promise as a way of managing the progression of frailty in older adults. Information technology could improve the availability of interventions and services for older adults. The views of stakeholders on the acceptability of technological solutions for frailty screening and management have not been explored. Methods Focus groups were used to gather data from healthy and frail/pre-frail older adults, health and social care providers, and caregivers in three European countries – Italy, Poland and UK. Data were analysed using framework analysis in terms of facilitators or determinants of older adults’ adoption of technology. Results…
Understanding frailty:a qualitative study of European healthcare policy-makers' approaches to frailty screening and management
ObjectiveTo elicit European healthcare policy-makers’ views, understanding and attitudes about the implementation of frailty screening and management strategies and responses to stakeholders’ views.DesignThematic analysis of semistructured qualitative interviews.SettingEuropean healthcare policy departments.ParticipantsSeven European healthcare policy-makers representing the European Union (n=2), UK (n=2), Italy (n=1), Spain (n=1) and Poland (n=1). Participants were sourced through professional networks and the European Commission Authentication Service website and were required to be in an active healthcare policy or decision-making role.ResultsSeven themes were identified. Our findings re…
Interventions to prevent, delay or reverse frailty in older people: a journey towards clinical guidelines
AbstractBackgroundAge-related frailty is a multidimensional dynamic condition associated with adverse patient outcomes and high costs for health systems. Several interventions have been proposed to tackle frailty. This correspondence article describes the journey through the development of evidence- and consensus-based guidelines on interventions aimed at preventing, delaying or reversing frailty in the context of the FOCUS (Frailty Management Optimisation through EIP-AHA Commitments and Utilisation of Stakeholders Input) project (664367-FOCUS-HP-PJ-2014). The rationale, framework, processes and content of the guidelines are described.Main textThe guidelines were framed into four questions …