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Nursing Reports
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Nursing Interventions to Improve Healthcare for Older Adults
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Nursing Interventions to Improve Healthcare for Older Adults

A special issue of Nursing Reports (ISSN 2039-4403). This special issue belongs to the section "Nursing Care for Older People".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 December 2025) | Viewed by 17515

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Juan Manuel Vázquez-Lago

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
Interests: interventions in public health; active aging; care in chronic diseases; food and nutrition; antibiotics and bacterial resistance; community nursing; health research; epidemiology
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Nursing Reports Special Issue will focus on nursing interventions to improve healthcare for older adults. Systematic/scoping/narrative reviews or protocols of reviews related to these interventions are welcome. One of the primary aims is to identify effective nursing strategies that enhance the quality of life and healthcare outcomes for older adults. These interventions are aimed at promoting patient satisfaction, addressing the unique needs of older adults, and improving adherence to treatment through effective nurse–patient communication.

Nursing interventions in various settings have shown positive results in enhancing the care and well-being of older adults. Understanding and implementing these strategies can significantly improve the quality of care and patient satisfaction. This Special Issue aims to showcase studies that highlight the importance of tailored nursing interventions for older adults, demonstrating their impact on health outcomes and overall quality of life.

Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Investigation based on practice and personalized care approaches in older-adult healthcare;
  • Nursing interventions to manage chronic diseases or conditions requiring long-term care in older adults;
  • Studies promoting improved care for older adults;
  • Nurse-led care initiatives;
  • Innovative nursing interventions for the management of diseases in older adults;
  • New approaches to personalized care for older adults;
  • Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) in the context of older adult healthcare.

Dr. Juan Manuel Vázquez-Lago
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Nursing Reports is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1800 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • aging
  • older adults
  • health interventions
  • public health nurse
  • community healthcare
  • age-friendly health services
  • food and nutrition
  • diet, food, and nutrition
  • community nursing

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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17 pages, 853 KB  
Article
Developing and Evaluating a Health Literacy Training Model for Volunteer Elderly Caregivers to Prevent and Control NCDs in Thailand: An Action Research Study
by Phagapun Boontem, Jaruwan Phaitrakoon, Ninlapa Jirarattanawanna, Mayurachat Kanyamee, Siriporn Somboon, Kananit Sanghirun and Narunest Chulakarn
Nurs. Rep. 2026, 16(2), 68; https://doi.org/10.3390/nursrep16020068 - 14 Feb 2026
Viewed by 312
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Limited health literacy among older adults with noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) remains a major challenge in community and primary-care settings. This action research aimed to develop and evaluate a community-based health literacy training model for volunteer caregivers for the elderly (VCEs) to support [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Limited health literacy among older adults with noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) remains a major challenge in community and primary-care settings. This action research aimed to develop and evaluate a community-based health literacy training model for volunteer caregivers for the elderly (VCEs) to support the prevention and control of diabetes and hypertension among older adults in the community. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted in a primary care-based community setting and comprised two phases: Phase 1 (model development) and Phase 2 (implementation and evaluation). The primary analytic sample consisted of 38 volunteer caregivers for the elderly, each providing home-based health education to one older adult (n = 38). The intervention combined structured health literacy education based on the K-shape framework (Knowledge, Comprehension, Thoughtful Inquiry, Decision-making, and Implementation) with SKT meditation/exercise. The program was delivered weekly over 8 weeks. Outcomes included health literacy (20-item scale) and disease prevention and control behaviors (12-item scale), assessed at baseline, immediately post-intervention, and 1 month after program completion. Results: Among VCEs, mean health literacy scores increased significantly from baseline to post-intervention and were further improved at 1-month follow-up (p < 0.001), indicating sustained gains in health literacy. Preventive behavior scores also increased significantly from baseline to post-intervention (p < 0.001); however, no additional improvement was observed at 1 month compared with immediately after the program (p > 0.05). The magnitude of improvement suggested a meaningful effect of the intervention on health literacy, while behavioral changes appeared to plateau after program completion. Conclusions: The community-based training model effectively and sustainably improved health literacy among volunteer caregivers for the elderly. Although preventive health behaviors improved immediately after the intervention, no further gains were observed at 1 month, suggesting that ongoing reinforcement may be required to sustain behavioral change. This model supports the role of community participation in primary care-based NCD prevention among older adults. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nursing Interventions to Improve Healthcare for Older Adults)
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19 pages, 1154 KB  
Article
Rehabilitation Nursing Care for Older Adults with Impaired Fine Motor Function: From Design to Validation
by Magda Rafaela Carneiro Freitas, Ana da Conceição Alves Faria, Carla Gomes da Rocha, Maria Narcisa da Costa Gonçalves and Olga Maria Pimenta Lopes Ribeiro
Nurs. Rep. 2026, 16(1), 8; https://doi.org/10.3390/nursrep16010008 - 24 Dec 2025
Viewed by 1255
Abstract
Background: Population ageing and the growing prevalence of chronic diseases, particularly stroke, have negative repercussions on fine motor function, compromising the independence of older adults. The Specialist Nurse in Rehabilitation Nursing plays a central role in functional recovery and in improving quality of [...] Read more.
Background: Population ageing and the growing prevalence of chronic diseases, particularly stroke, have negative repercussions on fine motor function, compromising the independence of older adults. The Specialist Nurse in Rehabilitation Nursing plays a central role in functional recovery and in improving quality of life. This study aims to describe the process of developing and validating the design of rehabilitation nursing care for older adults with impaired fine motor function. Methods: This paper is a three-phase methodological study conducted between January and July 2025: (1) initial development of the design of rehabilitation nursing care for older adults with impaired fine motor function; (2) validation of the content of the proposed design, using the modified e-Delphi technique; and (3) development of the final model of the care design. Results: The e-Delphi study, involving a panel of 15 experts, allowed the content validation of the design of rehabilitation nursing care for older adults with impaired fine motor function after two rounds. Following the suggestions, the final care design model, in relation to fine motor function, comprises five steps: (1) collection of relevant data, (2) identification of possible nursing diagnoses, (3) definition of objectives, (4) planning and implementation of interventions, and (5) evaluation of outcomes. As part of step 4, photographic records of exercises focused on the recovery of fine motor function were included. Conclusions: The final model of the design of rehabilitation nursing care for older adults with impaired fine motor function, developed and validated in this study, may serve as a guiding framework in the delivery of specialised care to this population. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nursing Interventions to Improve Healthcare for Older Adults)
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12 pages, 418 KB  
Article
Sense of Coherence as a Moderator Between Social Isolation and the Risk of Care Dependency Among Older Adults in Japan
by Shimpei Hayashi and Keiko Matsumoto
Nurs. Rep. 2025, 15(11), 403; https://doi.org/10.3390/nursrep15110403 - 17 Nov 2025
Viewed by 738
Abstract
Background/Objectives: In Japan, the rapid aging of the population has increased the need for strategies to extend healthy life expectancy and prevent care dependency. Social isolation has been identified as a major risk factor for adverse physical and psychological outcomes, but its interaction [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: In Japan, the rapid aging of the population has increased the need for strategies to extend healthy life expectancy and prevent care dependency. Social isolation has been identified as a major risk factor for adverse physical and psychological outcomes, but its interaction with psychological resilience factors remains unclear. This study aimed to examine the association between social isolation and the risk of care dependency among community-dwelling older adults, and to investigate whether the sense of coherence (SOC) moderates this relationship. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in City A, Kagawa Prefecture, involving 519 residents aged 65 years or older. Social isolation was assessed using the Japanese version of the Lubben Social Network Scale-6 (LSNS-6), and SOC was measured with a validated three-item scale from the University of Tokyo. The risk of care dependency was evaluated using a 15-item checklist developed by the Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology. Nutritional status was measured using the Mini Nutritional Assessment–Short Form. Multiple imputation (m = 50) handled missing data. Standardized linear regression analyses estimated main and interaction effects, followed by robustness checks using robust, gamma, and bootstrap analyses. Results: Lower levels of social connectedness were associated with a higher risk of care dependency. A moderating trend of SOC was observed (β = 0.100, p = 0.004), suggesting that the adverse impact of social isolation may be greater among individuals with lower SOC. Conclusions: These findings suggest that SOC may play a potential buffering role mitigating the adverse effects of social isolation. Although the explanatory power of the model was moderate, the observed trends highlight the potential importance of psychosocial resources for preventive care among older adults. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nursing Interventions to Improve Healthcare for Older Adults)
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13 pages, 511 KB  
Article
The Effect of Video-Based Education on Activities of Daily Living and Wound Healing of Patients with Total Hip Replacement: Randomised Controlled Trials
by Ayse Sinem Tas and Ismet Eser
Nurs. Rep. 2025, 15(10), 356; https://doi.org/10.3390/nursrep15100356 - 4 Oct 2025
Viewed by 881
Abstract
Background and Purpose: There remains a need for effective and accessible education methods to support recovery after total hip replacement. To evaluate the effects of video-based education on daily living activities and wound healing of patients undergoing total hip replacement surgery. Methods: A [...] Read more.
Background and Purpose: There remains a need for effective and accessible education methods to support recovery after total hip replacement. To evaluate the effects of video-based education on daily living activities and wound healing of patients undergoing total hip replacement surgery. Methods: A randomised controlled trial was used. Eligible participants were those aged 18 years and over who had undergone total hip replacement surgery in a training and research hospital. The intervention group received video-based training, while the control group received only routine care. Results: Patients in the video-based training group showed significantly greater improvement in daily living activities, hip function, and wound healing on postoperative days 5 and 30 compared to the control group (p < 0.01). Conclusions: Video-based education significantly improved daily living activities, hip function, and wound healing in patients undergoing total hip replacement. Clinicaltrials ID: NCT06523829 Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nursing Interventions to Improve Healthcare for Older Adults)
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14 pages, 2096 KB  
Article
Development and Validation of a Game for Older Adults on Lifestyles and Frailty
by Ana da Conceição Alves Faria, Maria Manuela Martins, José Alberto Laredo-Aguilera, João Miguel Almeida Ventura-Silva and Olga Maria Pimenta Lopes Ribeiro
Nurs. Rep. 2024, 14(3), 2499-2512; https://doi.org/10.3390/nursrep14030184 - 20 Sep 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3256
Abstract
Background: Games are a promising strategy for rehabilitating older adults. The effect of games on promoting healthy lifestyles and preventing frailty remains uncertain. This article aims to describe the process of development and validation of the game “Bem-me-quer para a saúde”® to [...] Read more.
Background: Games are a promising strategy for rehabilitating older adults. The effect of games on promoting healthy lifestyles and preventing frailty remains uncertain. This article aims to describe the process of development and validation of the game “Bem-me-quer para a saúde”® to promote the acquisition of healthy lifestyles and prevent frailty in over 65-year-olds. Methods: This study comprised three distinct phases, spanning from December 2023 to June 2024. The first phase comprised a thorough review of the scientific literature on the frailty and lifestyles of older adults, a second phase of game design, and a third phase of content and semantic validation conducted by specialized nurses and older adults. Results: After revising literature, this study utilized an e-Delphi with a panel of 14 specialist nurses who underwent two rounds of evaluation. The “Bem-me-quer para a saúde”® game includes a puzzle board with 54 pieces and 30 educational cards. In the final phase, we evaluated the game on a cohort of 50 older adults, highlighting its reflective, interactive, and educational aspects. Conclusions: The game presented sufficient evidence of content validity and relevance to clinical practice. We should conduct additional research to evaluate its impact on lifestyle modification and frailty prevention. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nursing Interventions to Improve Healthcare for Older Adults)
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Other

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9 pages, 215 KB  
Protocol
Perceived Needs of Individuals with Frailty and Their Caregivers During the Transition from Hospital to Home: Protocol of a Qualitative Systematic Review and Evidence Synthesis
by Johanna Castro, Janeth Solís-de-Ovando, Enzo Sanfurgo, Catalina Riffo and Lucía Catalán
Nurs. Rep. 2026, 16(2), 64; https://doi.org/10.3390/nursrep16020064 - 13 Feb 2026
Viewed by 267
Abstract
Background: Frailty markedly increases risk of unplanned readmission, 30-day mortality, and discontinuity of care during the transition from hospital to home. Although this transition represents a critical period for patient safety and recovery, the specific needs perceived by individuals with frailty and their [...] Read more.
Background: Frailty markedly increases risk of unplanned readmission, 30-day mortality, and discontinuity of care during the transition from hospital to home. Although this transition represents a critical period for patient safety and recovery, the specific needs perceived by individuals with frailty and their caregivers at the time of discharge remain insufficiently understood. Aim: The aim of this study was to explore and synthesize qualitative evidence of perceived needs by individuals with frailty and their caregivers during the transition from hospital to home. Methods: A qualitative systematic review will be conducted following the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodological guidance. Systematic searches will be performed in PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science (WoS), Biblioteca Virtual de Salud (BVS), Scopus, and Google Scholar. All primary qualitative and mixed-methods studies with a qualitative component, published in any language and without date restrictions, will be eligible. Methodological quality will be appraised using the JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist for Qualitative Research. A meta-aggregative approach will be applied to extract and synthesize findings using JBI SUMARI software. Confidence in the synthesized findings will be assessed using the ConQual approach. Expected results: The results will describe the perceived needs of this population and their caregivers and will support the development of practical recommendations for transitional care. Conclusions: The findings are expected to inform person-centered transitional care practices and support the development of clinical strategies to improve continuity of care. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nursing Interventions to Improve Healthcare for Older Adults)
17 pages, 2052 KB  
Systematic Review
Effect of Resistance Training on Older Adults with Sarcopenic Obesity: A Comprehensive Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Blood Biomarkers, Functionality, and Body Composition
by Luis Polo-Ferrero, Víctor Navarro-López, Manuel Fuentes, Jesus Lacal, María Dolores Cancelas-Felgueras, Natalia Santos-Blázquez, Roberto Méndez-Sánchez and Juan Luis Sánchez-González
Nurs. Rep. 2025, 15(3), 89; https://doi.org/10.3390/nursrep15030089 - 4 Mar 2025
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 9487
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Sarcopenic obesity (SO) is a clinical condition in which there is an excess of fat mass and a loss of muscle mass, strength, and function. Its prevalence increases with age, particularly in adults over 65 years old. However, debate persists on [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Sarcopenic obesity (SO) is a clinical condition in which there is an excess of fat mass and a loss of muscle mass, strength, and function. Its prevalence increases with age, particularly in adults over 65 years old. However, debate persists on the definition and assessment of SO. The purpose of this review is to examine the impact of resistance training on older adults with sarcopenic obesity. Methods: This review included studies investigating the effects of resistance training interventions in older adults with SO. A comprehensive literature search was conducted across six databases (PubMed, SCOPUS, Cochrane Library, Embase, EBSCO, and Web of Science), yielding 1882 articles. The risk of bias in the included studies was assessed using the PEDro scale and the GRADE system. Results: Eleven randomized clinical trials were analyzed qualitatively and nine were analyzed quantitatively. The meta-analysis demonstrated that exercise interventions revealed the positive effects of exercise mainly on physical performance ([SMD] = 0.36, [95% CI] = 0.03, 0.69, p = 0.003) and body composition ([SMD] = 0.35, [95% CI] = 0.12, 0.57, p = 0.003), with no significant differences in biomarkers ([SMD] = 0.1, [95% CI] = −0.28, 0.49, p = 0.52). Conclusions: Resistance training benefits older adults with SO, improving body composition and physical function, whereas there were no significant differences in blood biomarkers. The present review highlights the limitations of the existing evidence base. Many included studies exhibited methodological shortcomings, necessitating the cautious interpretation of findings. Future research should prioritize rigorous study designs, including larger sample sizes and extended follow-up periods, to enhance the precision and generalizability of results. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nursing Interventions to Improve Healthcare for Older Adults)
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