Abstract
Background
Frailty is increasingly recognised as a public health problem within an aging population - It is often characterised as an accumulation of clinical symptoms with progressive decline. We contend that dehydration is potentially the missing link driving the cycle of frailty. It contributes to malnutrition and cognitive decline and is a risk factor for other conditions. Frailty may also impact on fluid intake in cognitively intact older adults, indicating the cyclical nature of dehydration contributing to increasing frailty.
Aim of the study
To conduct a Realist Evaluation exploring attitudes to hydration in a population at risk of frailty.
Methods
A Realist Evaluation was undertaken, leading to the development of a Refined
Programme Theory (RPT) articulating what hydration interventions work, for whom, to what degree, in what contexts, and how & why. The study was conducted during the Covid 19 pandemic, and the challenges of undertaking research during this time will be discussed, as well as practical steps that were taken to address them.
Results
The RPT highlighted three different factors operating ranging from the individual patient level through to the wider organisational system in which healthcare services are delivered.
Conclusions and implications
From the patient perspective, issues identified included the importance of maximising ‘enablers’ to hydration such as education around the need for hydration, physical accessibility of fluids, considering individual preferences, and providing meaningful hydration targets in language that is accessible. Findings having salience for the wider organisation include the importance of ongoing CPD, being available to provide patient education and conducting an ongoing holistic assessment of needs
LnuOpen | INTERNATIONAL COLLABORATION for COMMUNITY HEALTH NURSING RESEARCH in cooperation with Linnaeus University
Frailty is increasingly recognised as a public health problem within an aging population - It is often characterised as an accumulation of clinical symptoms with progressive decline. We contend that dehydration is potentially the missing link driving the cycle of frailty. It contributes to malnutrition and cognitive decline and is a risk factor for other conditions. Frailty may also impact on fluid intake in cognitively intact older adults, indicating the cyclical nature of dehydration contributing to increasing frailty.
Aim of the study
To conduct a Realist Evaluation exploring attitudes to hydration in a population at risk of frailty.
Methods
A Realist Evaluation was undertaken, leading to the development of a Refined
Programme Theory (RPT) articulating what hydration interventions work, for whom, to what degree, in what contexts, and how & why. The study was conducted during the Covid 19 pandemic, and the challenges of undertaking research during this time will be discussed, as well as practical steps that were taken to address them.
Results
The RPT highlighted three different factors operating ranging from the individual patient level through to the wider organisational system in which healthcare services are delivered.
Conclusions and implications
From the patient perspective, issues identified included the importance of maximising ‘enablers’ to hydration such as education around the need for hydration, physical accessibility of fluids, considering individual preferences, and providing meaningful hydration targets in language that is accessible. Findings having salience for the wider organisation include the importance of ongoing CPD, being available to provide patient education and conducting an ongoing holistic assessment of needs
LnuOpen | INTERNATIONAL COLLABORATION for COMMUNITY HEALTH NURSING RESEARCH in cooperation with Linnaeus University
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | 2022: The 7th International Collaboration for Community Health Nursing Research conference: Community nursing towards sustainable health |
| Subtitle of host publication | The 7th ICCHNR conference Linnéuniversitetet, Växjö, 21 - 22 June 2022 |
| Publication status | Published - 21 Jun 2022 |
| Event | 7th ICCHNR Conference (2022): Community nursing towards sustainable health - Virtual - hosted by Linnaeus University, Sweden Duration: 21 Jun 2022 → 22 Jun 2022 Conference number: 7 |
Conference
| Conference | 7th ICCHNR Conference (2022) |
|---|---|
| Abbreviated title | ICCHNR |
| Country/Territory | Sweden |
| Period | 21/06/22 → 22/06/22 |
Keywords
- Community Nursing
- realist evaluation
- hydration
- older adults
