other·geriatrics, public health, epidemiology, nutrition, observational study·PMC10001419
Digital Health Service for Identification of Frailty Risk Factors in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: The SUNFRAIL+ Study Protocol
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health · 33 authors, 17 centres
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FIDELITY 100%
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This is a protocol for a prospective observational cohort study using a digital platform to screen frailty risk factors in community-dwelling older adults. The study aims to assess the effectiveness of this approach, but a key limitation is the non-uniformity of intervention strategies across centers.
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BACKGROUND
The study addresses the increasing frailty in older adults due to aging and multimorbidity, highlighting the need for early screening in community settings to prevent adverse events. Methods: This is a prospective observational cohort study conducted in seven Italian regions, recruiting 100 community-dwelling older adults (≥65 years) per center. The SUNFRAIL+ digital platform links the SUNFRAIL frailty tool to multidimensional assessments for bio-psycho-social domains. The study duration is 14 months, including 6 months for assessment, 6 months for observation with health promotion activities, and 2 months for analysis. Outcomes are measured using various scales such as SF-12 for quality of life, MNA for nutrition, and others. Statistical analysis includes descriptive and confirmatory tests with a significance level of 5%. Key Results: As a protocol, no results are reported; the study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the digital approach. Limitations: The main limitation is the non-uniformity of intervention strategies and services across centers, which may limit the investigation of effectiveness. Implications: The study could contribute to implementing a multiprofessional service model for frailty screening, improving data availability for targeted interventions, and enhancing the quality of life for older adults through integrated care.
