A Qualitative Exploration of Older Patients' Experiences With Frailty and Related Management Strategies

Abstract

Background Frailty is highly prevalent in hospitalized older patients and may increase the risk of adverse health outcomes. Understanding the experiences of older patients and the management strategies they use to recover from frailty is crucial to developing appropriate interventions. Purpose This study was designed to explore the frailty experiences of older adults and the management strategies they use to recover from frailty. Methods Using purposive sampling, semistructured, face-to-face interviews were conducted with 16 older patients with frailty. Data were analyzed using content analysis. Results The experiences of participants were classified into three phases, including the (a) individual sensing phase, (b) daily-living-threatening phase, and (c) acclimatization and acceptance phase. When experiencing frailty, the participants developed management strategies to facilitate recovery, which manifested in three phases: (a) making flexible adjustments to the daily routine, (b) using adequate support systems, and (c) adopting positive thinking. Conclusions/Implications for Practice The results indicate that familial support and positive thinking are important management strategies for successful recovery in frail individuals. Older patients require adequate support systems. Positive thinking was also found to be an effective management strategy for recovery. Healthcare professionals should not only focus on providing supportive resources but also provide support to older patients to facilitate their adoption of positive thinking to face life changes brought on by frailty.