Overview

There is a need for care for the frail adult to be compassionate and integrated and underpinned by a firm base of evidence. It is important to recognise frailty as a “distinctive” state, rather than one based on age and to understand how frailty increases a person’s vulnerability to changes in health which may lead to a crisis.

There is a need for healthcare professionals to be aware of the risks associated with frailty and to work in an integrated way with the person, their families and other professionals to safely manage care. Healthcare professionals should view all interactions as an opportunity assess people who may be considered frail and to develop plans of care which are effective and collaborative.

This module will equip professionals from any discipline with the skills to identify, assess and manage people in their care who may be at risk of frailty and to maximise opportunities for supporting them.

Module aims

This module aims to enable healthcare professionals to critically examine and reflect upon the fundamental principles of caring for the adult presenting with frailty and to examine and critically appraise appropriate assessment and treatment strategies.

Entry requirements

• All candidates will hold current first level professional registration with a relevant regulatory body, eg. Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC); Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). 

• Candidates will normally work in a healthcare setting and in a role relevant to the module.

• Evidence of successful study at Level 6.

Module content

Module content will include:

• Assessment tools for frailty

• Managing risk

• Communication

• Pressure area care

• Nutrition/hydration

• Continence

• Falls prevention

• Health promotion

• Case management

• Medicines management

• Service user/carer issues

• Frailty in minority groups e.g. BAME, LGBT, learning disability

Teaching and assessment

The principal learning and teaching methods used in the module may include:

• Web-based learning using the Keele Learning Environment (KLE), Blackboard. 

• Directed independent study. Most of the study hours for each module comprise independent learning by expecting participants to add depth and breadth to their knowledge of topics, to practice skills and to reflect on critical incidents and their practice.