ArticleToward a conceptual definition of frail community dwelling older people
Section snippets
Method
Initially, a computer search was performed in the PubMed database, Web of Science and PsychInfo (up to December 2008). Combinations of the following subject headings and words were used: “frail” (and the related words “frail elderly” and “frailty”), “definition,” “conceptual framework,” “patient identification,” “community-dwelling,” and “risk factors.”
In addition, references cited in the articles were scanned to identify other relevant articles not found by the initial search.
A number of
Debate on Frailty
Frailty can be seen as increasing vulnerability associated with aging.13 Precisely how it should be defined remains unclear.1, 4, 14, 15 There is still a lack of consensus on a definition of frailty.16 However, there is an urgent need for consensus on the definition of frailty among healthcare professionals in order that the screening and treatment of frailty can be more effective.6, 17 The emphasis should be on those healthcare professionals such as general practitioners, nurse practitioners,
Discussion
This article aims to present a number of conceptual and operational definitions of frailty. At the beginning of the article it was acknowledged that there are numerous different definitions of frailty in circulation. The literature search made clear that 5 criteria should be used to determine the success of these definitions of frailty. A definition that meets these criteria contains a multidimensional approach; is dynamic; has predictive validity for adverse outcomes; does not include disease,
Robbert J. Gobbens, MSc, RN, is Lecturer at Avans University of Applied Sciences, Breda, The Netherlands; Researcher at Tranzo Academic Centre in Care and Welfare, Tilburg University, Tilburg, The Netherlands.
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Robbert J. Gobbens, MSc, RN, is Lecturer at Avans University of Applied Sciences, Breda, The Netherlands; Researcher at Tranzo Academic Centre in Care and Welfare, Tilburg University, Tilburg, The Netherlands.
Katrien G. Luijkx, PhD, is Senior Researcher at Tranzo Academic Centre in Care and Welfare, Tilburg University, Tilburg, The Netherlands.
Maria T. Wijnen-Sponselee, PhD, is Reader Gerontology at Avans University of Applied Sciences, Breda, The Netherlands.
Jos M. Schols, PhD, MD, is Professor of Nursing Home Medicine at Caphri, Department General Practice, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands; former Professor of Chronic Care at Tranzo Academic Centre in Care and Welfare, Tilburg University, Tilburg, The Netherlands.