Publication
Title
Towards an operational definition of oral frailty : a e-Delphi study
Author
Abstract
Objectives: Building upon our recently developed conceptual definition of oral frailty (the age-related functional decline of orofacial structures), this e-Delphi study aims to develop an operational definition of oral frailty by identifying its components. Methods: We used a modified e-Delphi study to reach a consensus among international experts on the components of oral frailty. Twelve out of fifteen invited experts in the field of gerodontology participated. Experts responded to three rounds of an online 5-point scale questionnaire of components to be included or excluded from the operational definition of oral frailty. After each round, scores and rationales were shared with all experts, after which they could revise their position. A consensus was reached when at least 70% of the experts agreed on whether or not a component should be included in the operational definition of oral frailty.Results: The experts achieved a high level of agreement (80 - 100%) on including eight components of oral frailty and excluding nineteen. The operational definition of oral frailty should include the following components: 1) difficulty eating hard or tough foods, 2) inability to chew all types of foods , 3) decreased ability to swallow solid foods, 4) decreased ability to swallow liquids, 5) overall poor swallowing function , 6) impaired tongue movement , 7) speech or phonatory disorders, and 8) hyposalivation or xerostomia.Conclusion: This e-Delphi study provided eight components that make up the operational definition of oral frailty. These components are the foundation for the next stage, which involves developing an oral frailty assessment tool.
Language
English
Source (journal)
Archives of gerontology and geriatrics. - Amsterdam
Publication
Amsterdam : 2024
ISSN
0167-4943
DOI
10.1016/J.ARCHGER.2023.105181
Volume/pages
117 (2024) , p. 1-8
Article Reference
105181
ISI
001078843200001
Pubmed ID
37713933
Full text (Publisher's DOI)
Full text (open access)
UAntwerpen
Faculty/Department
Research group
Publication type
Subject
Affiliation
Publications with a UAntwerp address
External links
Web of Science
Record
Identifier
Creation 30.10.2023
Last edited 04.03.2024
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