Duygu Sezgin1, Mark O'Donovan2, Nicola Cornally3, Aaron Liew4, Rónán O'Caoimh5. 1. Clinical Sciences Institute, National University of Ireland, Galway, Galway City, Ireland. Electronic address: duygu.sezgin@nuigalway.ie. 2. Clinical Sciences Institute, National University of Ireland, Galway, Galway City, Ireland. 3. School of Nursing and Midwifery, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland. 4. Clinical Sciences Institute, National University of Ireland, Galway, Galway City, Ireland; Portiuncula University Hospital, Galway, Ireland. 5. Clinical Sciences Institute, National University of Ireland, Galway, Galway City, Ireland; School of Nursing and Midwifery, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To identify and examine definitions of frailty using qualitative thematic analysis. DESIGN: A qualitative meta-aggregative systematic review. DATA SOURCES: The database search was performed using ASSIA, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Embase, PsycINFO, PubMed and Google Scholar databases. Studies providing definitions of frailty, published in English from 1st January 2000 to 25th July 2018 were included. REVIEW METHODS: Data were extracted by independent reviewers for qualitative thematic analysis. RESULTS: In total, 86 studies met inclusion criteria. Five major themes with specific sub-themes were identified following thematic analysis including: (1) types of definitions (operational, conceptual, theoretical, older adults' perspective); (2) characteristics of frailty (a multi-domain and dimensional state, deficits/decline, weakness, a continuum-dynamic concept, clinically identifiable); (3) associated factors (age, comorbidity, nutrition, sarcopenia, social networks and environment); (4) mechanism (reduced adaptability, hormonal dysregulation); and (5) changes in health status and adverse outcomes (disability, increased risk of mortality, other healthcare related outcomes such as increased dependency or risk of falls). CONCLUSIONS: Several themes were found that defined frailty, focusing predominantly on operational definitions and frailty as a physical syndrome. A universally accepted standard definition, which includes all dimensions of frailty is currently warranted.
OBJECTIVE: To identify and examine definitions of frailty using qualitative thematic analysis. DESIGN: A qualitative meta-aggregative systematic review. DATA SOURCES: The database search was performed using ASSIA, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Embase, PsycINFO, PubMed and Google Scholar databases. Studies providing definitions of frailty, published in English from 1st January 2000 to 25th July 2018 were included. REVIEW METHODS: Data were extracted by independent reviewers for qualitative thematic analysis. RESULTS: In total, 86 studies met inclusion criteria. Five major themes with specific sub-themes were identified following thematic analysis including: (1) types of definitions (operational, conceptual, theoretical, older adults' perspective); (2) characteristics of frailty (a multi-domain and dimensional state, deficits/decline, weakness, a continuum-dynamic concept, clinically identifiable); (3) associated factors (age, comorbidity, nutrition, sarcopenia, social networks and environment); (4) mechanism (reduced adaptability, hormonal dysregulation); and (5) changes in health status and adverse outcomes (disability, increased risk of mortality, other healthcare related outcomes such as increased dependency or risk of falls). CONCLUSIONS: Several themes were found that defined frailty, focusing predominantly on operational definitions and frailty as a physical syndrome. A universally accepted standard definition, which includes all dimensions of frailty is currently warranted.
Authors: Kadjo Yves Cedric Adja; Jacopo Lenzi; Duygu Sezgin; Rónán O'Caoimh; Mara Morini; Gianfranco Damiani; Alessandra Buja; Maria Pia Fantini Journal: Front Public Health Date: 2020-11-12
Authors: Kamil M Amer; Dominick V Congiusta; Pooja Suri; Aziz M Merchant; Michael M Vosbikian; Irfan H Ahmed Journal: J Clin Orthop Trauma Date: 2020-01-23