Teresa Dowsing

Abstract

Background: This study assessed the role of frailty assessment in the AMU.

Methods: Patients were assessed for frailty and their outcomes ascertained at 90 days.

Results: The Canadian Study on Health and Aging Clinical Frailty Scale categorised 29% of patients as moderately-severely frail. Frailty did not differentially identify those likely to be discharged within one day, nor with long stays. Mortality at 90 days was 32%; frailty was associated with the risk of dying, odds ratio 1.4. 21% of patients were readmitted at 30 days, and 33% at 90 days, but frailty was not predictive.

Discussion: Moderate-severe frailty in people aged 70+ was common and was predictive of higher mortality, but did not appear to predict admission, length of stay or readmission.