Integrating frailty management into cardiac intensive care unit nursing practice: A qualitative study

Background

Frailty is prevalent among older patients in intensive care units (ICUs) and poses significant challenges to recovery. Despite its importance, there is limited research on effective nurse-led frailty management strategies in this context.

Objective

The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore nurses' perceptions of frailty management in cardiac ICUs through the lens of the Wuli-Shili-Renli (WSR) system approach.

Methods

Sixteen nurses from two tertiary hospitals in Shandong province, China, participated in semi-structured interviews. Participants were selected based on their involvement in frailty training, educational background, and cardiac ICU work experience. Thematic analysis was conducted to identify key themes and sub-themes.

Results

Analysis in three categories revealed the need for foundational support, including the need for appropriate screening tools, updated evidence-based practices, and institutional support. Closed-loop management involved frailty screening, personalized program implementation, information management, and follow-up assessment. Personnel training and coordination emphasized enhancing nurses' professionalism, multidisciplinary teamwork, and cooperation from patients and their caregivers.

Conclusion

The insights gained can inform evidence-based practices and improve the quality of care provided to frail patients in cardiac ICUs. There is a need for future research to empirically investigate these strategies.