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Frail2Fit study: it was feasible and acceptable for volunteers to deliver a remote health intervention to older adults with frailty
,
L Holt,
J Varkonyi-Sepp,
A Bates,
Kelly Mackintosh ,
Melitta McNarry ,
S Jack,
J Murphy,
MPW Grocott,
SER Lim
The Journal of Frailty & Aging, Volume: 14, Issue: 6, Start page: 100092
Swansea University Authors:
Kelly Mackintosh , Melitta McNarry
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DOI (Published version): 10.1016/j.tjfa.2025.100092
Abstract
BackgroundPhysical activity (PA) and good nutrition are key to maintaining independence and reversing frailty among older adults.ObjectiveTo evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of training volunteers to deliver a remote multimodal intervention to older people with frailty after hospital disch...
| Published in: | The Journal of Frailty & Aging |
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| ISSN: | 2260-1341 |
| Published: |
Elsevier BV
2025
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| Online Access: |
Check full text
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| URI: | https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa70605 |
| Abstract: |
BackgroundPhysical activity (PA) and good nutrition are key to maintaining independence and reversing frailty among older adults.ObjectiveTo evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of training volunteers to deliver a remote multimodal intervention to older people with frailty after hospital discharge.DesignQuasi-experimental mixed-methods feasibility study.Setting, and ParticipantsTwenty-seven older adults (mean age 80 years, 15 female) with frailty (Clinical Frailty Status ≥5) were enrolled from a National Health Service South England hospital, UK.InterventionVolunteers were trained to deliver a 3-month intervention, comprising exercise, behaviour change, and nutrition guidance in a group, or one-to-one, using telephone or online platforms.MeasurementsFeasibility was assessed by determining the number of volunteers recruited, trained, and retained; participant recruitment; and intervention adherence. Interviews were conducted with 16 older adults, 1 carer, and 5 volunteers to explore intervention acceptability, and were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Secondary health outcomes, such as physical activity and appetite, were compared at baseline, post-intervention, and follow-up (3-months).ResultsThe intervention was safe and acceptable to volunteers, and older adults with frailty. Five volunteers (mean age 16 years, 3 female) completed training, and 60 % (n = 3) were retained. Seventeen participants completed the intervention (8 online; 9 telephone). Participants attended 75 % (IQR 38–92) online sessions, and 80 % (IQR 68.5–94.5) telephone support. Volunteers provided emotional support to older people with frailty and encouraged health behaviour change. Older people learnt from each other’s shared experiences in the online group, and telephone calls provided them with reassurance and monitoring. Key components to success were volunteers received comprehensive training and support from a health practitioner, while key barriers were that participants lacked social support and experienced exercise discomfort.ConclusionWith appropriate training and support, volunteers can safely deliver a remote multimodal intervention for older adults with frailty following discharge from hospital. |
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| Keywords: |
Older people; Rehabilitation; Deconditioning; Exercise; Nutrition |
| College: |
Faculty of Science and Engineering |
| Funders: |
The University Hospital Southampton Foundation Trust Small Grants Scheme funded this research (Reference number: GNT0525).
MG is in part funded by the NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre and in part by the NIHR Senior Investigator scheme. |
| Issue: |
6 |
| Start Page: |
100092 |