Abstract:

Objective To conduct a scoping review about relevant research on ICU-acquired oral frailty，summarize the conceptual definitions and related elements of ICU-acquired oral frailty. Methods The methodology framework was guided by the Joanna Briggs Institute（JBI） Evidence-Based Healthcare Center’s PRISMA-ScR guidelines for scoping reviews. A comprehensive search was conducted in databases including PubMed，Embase，CINAHL，Web of Science，Scopus，China National Knowledge Infrastructure（CNKI），Wanfang Data，and the Chinese Biomedical Literature Database，covering literature from the inception of these databases to November 12，2024. Literature intersecting ICU acquired weakness and oral frailty was screened，and information was extracted. A conceptual assessment tool was employed to analyze，evaluate，and integrate the identified elements. Results A total of 14 articles were included，from which 14 relevant concepts and 94 related elements were extracted. Among the extracted concepts，none met the criteria for a “good” conceptual definition. Three categories of elements and 14 thematic elements were identified. Conclusion Conceptual research based on a scoping review confirms that ICU patients are prone to oral frailty due to special medical environments such as invasive procedures，but its definition has not yet been standardized. Existing assessment tools lack systematic standards addressing the specific needs of ICU patients. There is a need to further improve and optimize the concepts related to ICU-acquired oral frailty to enhance the quality of ICU care and improve patients’ subsequent quality of life.

Key words: Intensive Care Unit, ICU-Acquired Weakness, Oral, Scoping Review