Implementation of Frailty Screenings in the Perioperative Setting

UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)

Alexis R. Chandik (Creator)

Institution

The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )

Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/

Advisor

Joshua Borders

Abstract: Background: Frailty is a general state of wellness in which physiologic reserve is reduced, making the patient more susceptible to homeostatic disturbances that can be brought on by exposure to anesthesia or surgery (Barnett, 2014). Deficits of neurological control, mechanical performance, and energy metabolism are hallmarks of the condition (Walston et al., 2018). Frail patients with reduced physiological and neurological reserve have a dramatically increased risk of postoperative delirium (Strøm et. al, 2016). In the perioperative setting, use of sedating medications like benzodiazepines are known exacerbates of postoperative delirium in frail patients (Nordt & Clark, 1997). Identification of frailty is key in preventing decreased cognition and physiologic function postoperatively (Susano et al., 2020). While it has been proven that frailty screenings can successfully identify at-risk individuals in the perioperative setting, widespread implementation remains unachieved (Walston et al., 2018). Purpose: The purpose of the DNP project is to analyze an implementation strategy of frailty screenings that promotes longevity of frailty screening use. This was done by improving staff perception of frailty screening tools with an educational component to establish relevance of their use and provide access to a well-researched screening tool. Methods: A survey was completed before and after an educational presentation and distribution of a badge buddy with the FRAIL Scale on it. Results were analyzed in both Microsoft Excel and IBM SPSS. Results: There was not significant evidence to suggest that perceptions and practice were changed by the intervention. Recommendations and Conclusion: Staff recognized the importance of needing to use a more reliable method to assess patient frailty, however, future studies seeking to implement frailty screenings with this design should seek to improve upon the limitations identified.

Implementation of Frailty Screenings in the Perioperative Setting
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Created on 6/14/2024
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Additional Information

Publication

Other

Language: English

Date: 2023

Keywords

frailty, frailty screening, screening, geriatric, implementation, post operative delirium

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