The construction of an evaluation index system for the health vulnerability of frail and vulnerable older persons in nursing homes: a Delphi study

The evaluation index system for assessing the health vulnerability of frail and vulnerable older persons in nursing homes developed in this study covers a range of health threats and indicators of health coping capacity faced by frail and vulnerable older persons from individual to societal perspectives. This evaluation index system employs the "sensitivity‒responsiveness" vulnerability analysis framework, addressing the limitations of single-dimensional assessment indicators in capturing a comprehensive overview. This study provides a novel research perspective for assessing health vulnerability in frail and vulnerable older persons. This evaluation index system provides a practical tool for nursing home staff to assess health vulnerability, enabling early risk identification and targeted interventions. Policy-makers and administrators can use it to optimize resource allocation and enhance elderly care services. Future research should validate its real-world applicability and integrate it into existing health monitoring and intervention programs to improve older persons' health outcomes.