Development and testing of a frailty-focused communication (FCOM) aid for older adults.
Cathy A Maxwell, Russell Rothman, Ruth Wolever and 6 others
PMID 32709372WHAT IT FOUND
Most adults found a frailty education booklet understandable and liked it.
Among those not already doing all they could, 85% said they would probably or definitely make a plan for aging, but real behavior change was not measured.
Key findings
01At least 89% liked or loved each of the four education content areas.
02More than 90% reported each content area was understandable or easily understandable.
03Of participants not already doing all they could, 85% reported probable or definite desire to make a personal plan for aging.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for PTsWhat it means for RNs
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What it does not show
Participants were recruited from community sites as a convenience sample, so they may not represent patients in clinics or hospitals. The session was tested in one group, so responses cannot be compared with a group that did not receive it. Missing data was a major flaw, and results could reflect non-response bias. The questionnaire was anonymous, self-administered, and completion was not tracked. Only nine participants were 85 years or older, so it says little about the oldest old. Participants were followed only at the end of the session; actual behavior change, advance care planning, falls, or health outcomes were not measured. The sample was English-speaking adults, so results may not transfer to other languages or diverse communities.
Declared interests
The supplied text does not include an author conflict-of-interest or funding declaration. The publication types list NIH extramural research support.
The easy way to misread this
Do not read the 85% desire to make a plan as proof that the education tool changes behavior. Participants were not followed up, and the study did not measure actual physical activity, advance care planning, falls, or health outcomes.