Frail Elderly Syndrome (00257) in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: Clinical Validity and Implications

> 0.05). The study was approved by the Ethics Committee.FindingsA total of 17 defining characteristics were validated. Two latent class models were proposed, with Model 2 demonstrating superior fit and higher entropy. The nursing diagnosis achieved a prevalence of 50.7% in the sample. The most accurate defining characteristics were impaired physical mobility (00085) and impaired walking ability (00088), both with sensitivity and specificity values exceeding 85.9. Additional characteristics not originally included in the diagnosis were also identified and validated: insomnia (00095), impaired dentition (00048), urge urinary incontinence (00019), and dysfunctional family processes (00063).ConclusionThe nursing diagnosis Frail elderly syndrome (00257) was clinically validated among community-dwelling older adults based on a latent class model comprising 17 defining characteristics, all of which demonstrated accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity measures above 85%. Therefore, its assessment is recommended for routine use in Primary Health Care.Implications for nursing practiceThis study demonstrated the diagnostic efficacy for identifying vulnerable older adults within primary healthcare settings, enabling proactive and preventive care interventions for the population.