Objective To explore the effect of nursing intervention based on trans-theoretical model (TTM) on the frailty status of elderly patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Methods A total of 100 elderly patients with COPD were selected as the research objects by convenience sampling method. They were randomly divided into control group and observation group, with 50 cases in each group. The control group was given routine nursing measures, and the observation group was given nursing interventions based on TTM. Frailty statusfrailty diagnostic index, frailty index (FI) before and after intervention were compared between the two groups.

Results After intervention, there was no significant difference in body mass loss, fatigue and FI between the two groups (P>0.05); after intervention, the total score of frailty index, the proportion of decreased activity, the time of 6 m walking distance and the grip strength of the two groups were compared, and the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05).

Conclusion Nursing intervention based on TTM can significantly improve the debilitating condition of elderly patients with COPD.