Becoming frail: a major turning point in patients' life course.
Frail elderly
general practice
geriatric assessment
personal independence
primary health care
qualitative research
Journal
Family practice
ISSN: 1460-2229
Titre abrégé: Fam Pract
Pays: England
ID NLM: 8500875
Informations de publication
Date de publication:
20 03 2019
20 03 2019
Historique:
pubmed:
26
5
2018
medline:
30
7
2019
entrez:
26
5
2018
Statut:
ppublish
Résumé
The frailty concept requires that practices should be adapted to meet the challenge of dependence. The GP is in the front line of management of frail elderly patients. To explore the perception of elderly persons of the term and concept of frailty and to understand their perception of the risk of loss of independence. Two qualitative studies by individual interviews in the homes of elderly persons identified as potentially frail by their GP, or diagnosed as frail and at risk of loss of independence. The sampling was theoretical. The analysis was carried out using an inductive approach following the phases of thematic analysis. The researchers used triangulation and collection was concluded when theoretical saturation had been reached. The concept of frailty was seen as forming an integral part of physiological ageing and appeared to be irreversible. The term of frailty had a negative connotation. The physical, cognitive and psychological components of frailty were present in the participants' discourse. Nutritional and sensory components were less present. Frailty due to inappropriate medication was not cited. Seven risk factors for loss of independence were identified: social isolation, poor physical health, poor mental health, loss of mobility, unsuitable living conditions, unsuitable environment, and low resources. Becoming frail is a major turning point in patients' life course. Coordinated multiprofessional management that takes account of patients' perceptions could help in negotiating a feasible care plan adapted to the patient's needs.
Sections du résumé
BACKGROUND
The frailty concept requires that practices should be adapted to meet the challenge of dependence. The GP is in the front line of management of frail elderly patients.
OBJECTIVES
To explore the perception of elderly persons of the term and concept of frailty and to understand their perception of the risk of loss of independence.
METHODS
Two qualitative studies by individual interviews in the homes of elderly persons identified as potentially frail by their GP, or diagnosed as frail and at risk of loss of independence. The sampling was theoretical. The analysis was carried out using an inductive approach following the phases of thematic analysis. The researchers used triangulation and collection was concluded when theoretical saturation had been reached.
RESULTS
The concept of frailty was seen as forming an integral part of physiological ageing and appeared to be irreversible. The term of frailty had a negative connotation. The physical, cognitive and psychological components of frailty were present in the participants' discourse. Nutritional and sensory components were less present. Frailty due to inappropriate medication was not cited. Seven risk factors for loss of independence were identified: social isolation, poor physical health, poor mental health, loss of mobility, unsuitable living conditions, unsuitable environment, and low resources.
CONCLUSIONS
Becoming frail is a major turning point in patients' life course. Coordinated multiprofessional management that takes account of patients' perceptions could help in negotiating a feasible care plan adapted to the patient's needs.
Identifiants
pubmed: 29800108
pii: 5003365
doi: 10.1093/fampra/cmy043
doi:
Types de publication
Journal Article
Langues
eng
Pagination
231-236Informations de copyright
© The Author(s) 2018. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.