Effects of a Person-Centered Nursing Intervention for Frailty among Prefrail Community-Dwelling Older Adults

This study examined the effects of a person-centered nursing intervention program for frailty (PNIF) targeting community-dwelling prefrail older people in South Korea. The study participants were 40 community-dwelling older adults (>= 65 years) who were classified as prefrail on the Cardiovascular Health Study (CHS) frailty index. The intervention group (n= 20) received group intervention sessions two days/week for twelve weeks and the control group (n= 20) attended lectures about frailty prevention one day/week for four weeks. The evaluation instruments included the CHS Frailty Index, a JAMAR(R)hydraulic hand dynamometer, the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), the Korean version of the Community Healthy Activities Model Program for Seniors Questionnaire (K-CHAMPS), the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA), the Geriatric Depression Scale Short Form-Korea Version (GDSSF-K), the ENRICHD Social Support Instrument (ESSI), and the Goal Attainment Scale (GAS). Significant differences were found in the CHS Frailty Index (p< 0.001), left-hand grip strength (p= 0.022), right-hand grip strength (p= 0.009), SPPB (p= 0.007), K-CHAMPS (p= 0.009), MNA (p= 0.018), and GDSSF-K (p= 0.001) between the two groups after 12 weeks. No significant between-group differences in ESSI scores were observed. The PNIF effectively improved grip strength, physical function, physical activity, and nutritional status, reduced depression, and prevented frailty among community-dwelling older adults.