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.