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Dolu İ, Hayter M, Serrant L, Lee A. 'Hearing silences': Exploring culturally safe transitional care: A qualitative study among Turkish-speaking migrant frail older adults. J Adv Nurs 2024; 80:1997-2017. [PMID: 37950376 DOI: 10.1111/jan.15955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
AIMS This study aimed to investigate the experiences and transitional care needs of Turkish frail older adults living in the UK and determine how this information can be utilized to improve the provision of culturally sensitive care during the transitional period. DESIGN Qualitative descriptive research with semi-structured individual interviews. METHODS "The 'Silences' Framework guided the research design, from conceptualizing the research question to structuring the report of final outputs. For this study, semi-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted with sixteen older adults living with frailty and five family caregivers between January and May of 2023 in the United Kingdom. RESULTS Major themes that were identified included: (i) information and communication, (ii) care and support, (iii) the role of culture and (iv) trust and satisfaction. Further analysis, through discussion and immersion in the data, revealed that care transition periods were presented alongside three phases of transitional care: pre-transition (during hospitalization), early-transition (the period between discharge and the 7th day after discharge) and late transition (the period between the 8th day and 12th month after discharge). CONCLUSIONS Our study revealed that the communication and informational needs of frail older individuals change during the transition period. While Turkish older adults and family caregivers expressed satisfaction with healthcare services in the UK, many struggled due to a lack of knowledge on how to access them. IMPACT The support of family caregivers is a crucial component in facilitating transitional care for frail older patients, as they help in accessing healthcare services and using technological devices or platforms. It should be noted that family caregivers often hold the same level of authority as their elderly Turkish counterparts. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION No patient or public contribution.
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Affiliation(s)
- İlknur Dolu
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Science, Bartın University, Bartın, Turkey
| | - Mark Hayter
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health and Education, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
| | - Laura Serrant
- Health Education England (North East & Yorkshire), Sheffield, UK
| | - Amanda Lee
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health and Education, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
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Chew J, Chia JQ, Kyaw KK, Fu KJ, Lim C, Chua S, Tan HN. Frailty Screening and Detection of Geriatric Syndromes in Acute Inpatient Care: Impact on Hospital Length of Stay and 30-Day Readmissions. Ann Geriatr Med Res 2023; 27:315-323. [PMID: 37743682 PMCID: PMC10772326 DOI: 10.4235/agmr.23.0124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 09/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Frailty is prevalent in acute care and is associated with negative outcomes. While a comprehensive geriatric assessment to identify geriatric syndromes is recommended after identifying frailty, more evidence is needed to support this approach in the inpatient setting. This study examined the association between frailty and geriatric syndromes and their impact on outcomes in acutely admitted older adults. METHODS A total of 733 individuals aged ≥65 years admitted to the General Surgery Service of a tertiary hospital were assessed for frailty using the Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS) and for geriatric syndromes using routine nursing admission assessments, including cognitive impairment, falls, incontinence, malnutrition, and poor oral health. Multinomial logistic regression and Cox regression were used to evaluate the associations between frailty and geriatric syndromes and their concomitant impact on hospital length of stay (LOS) and 30-day readmissions. RESULTS Greater frailty severity was associated with an increased likelihood of geriatric syndromes. Individuals categorized as CFS 4-6 and CFS 7-8 with concomitant geriatric syndromes had 29% and 35% increased risks of a longer LOS, respectively. CFS 4-6 was significantly associated with functional decline (relative risk ratio =1.46; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.03-2.07) and 30-day readmission (hazare ratio=1.78; 95% CI, 1.04-3.04), whereas these associations were not significant for CFS 7-8. CONCLUSION Geriatric syndromes in frail individuals can be identified from routine nursing assessments and represent a potential approach for targeted interventions following frailty identification. Tailored interventions may be necessary to achieve optimal outcomes at different stages of frailty. Further research is required to evaluate interventions for older adults with frailty in a wider hospital context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin Chew
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore
- Institute of Geriatrics and Active Ageing, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore
| | - Jia Qian Chia
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore
- Institute of Geriatrics and Active Ageing, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore
| | - Kay Khine Kyaw
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore
| | - Katrielle Joy Fu
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore
| | - Celestine Lim
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore
| | - Shiyun Chua
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore
| | - Huei Nuo Tan
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore
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杨 静, 高 静, 陈 昕, 柏 丁, 吴 晨. [Relationship Between Frailty and Poor Prognosis in Older Trauma Patients in the Emergency Department: A Prospective Cohort Study]. SICHUAN DA XUE XUE BAO. YI XUE BAN = JOURNAL OF SICHUAN UNIVERSITY. MEDICAL SCIENCE EDITION 2023; 54:816-823. [PMID: 37545080 PMCID: PMC10442631 DOI: 10.12182/20230760107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
Objective To explore the relationship between frailty and adverse outcomes in older trauma patients in the emergency department. Methods A prospective cohort study was conducted. Older trauma patients admitted to the emergency department of three tertiary-care hospitals in Chengdu between January 2021 and August 2021 were enrolled. The patients were divided into a frailty group and a non-frailty group according to their assessment results for Trauma-Specific Frailty Index (TSFI). The end points, including falls, readmission, and deaths, were documented during the 6-month follow-up. Cox risk regression model was used to analyze the relationship between frailty and adverse outcomes in older trauma patients in the emergency department. Results A total of 375 older trauma patients in the emergency department were enrolled, including 131 in the frailty group and 244 in the non-frailty group. After 6 months of follow-up, the incidences of falls, readmission and deaths in older trauma patients in the emergency department were 18.93%, 14.40%, and 7.73%, respectively. The incidences of falls (28.24% vs. 13.93%, P=0.001), readmission (25.95% vs. 8.20%, P=0.000), and deaths (12.98% vs. 4.92%, P=0.005) in older trauma patients in the emergency department in the frailty group were higher than those in the non-frailty group. After adjusting for multiple confounding factors using the Cox regression model, the risks of falls (hazard ratio [ HR]=1.859, 95% confidence interval [ CI]: 1.070-3.230, P=0.028] and readmission ( HR=2.920, 95% CI: 1.537-5.547, P=0.001) were higher in the frailty group than those in the non-frailty group, but there was no significant difference in the risk of deaths between the frailty group and the non-frailty group. Conclusion Frailty is a risk factor for falls and readmissions in older trauma patients in the emergency department and the association between frailty and the risk of deaths in older trauma patients in the emergency department needs to be validated by further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- 静 杨
- 成都中医药大学护理学院 (成都 611137)School of Nursing, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - 静 高
- 成都中医药大学护理学院 (成都 611137)School of Nursing, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - 昕羽 陈
- 成都中医药大学护理学院 (成都 611137)School of Nursing, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - 丁兮 柏
- 成都中医药大学护理学院 (成都 611137)School of Nursing, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - 晨曦 吴
- 成都中医药大学护理学院 (成都 611137)School of Nursing, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
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Falk Erhag H, Guðnadóttir G, Alfredsson J, Cederholm T, Ekerstad N, Religa D, Nellgård B, Wilhelmson K. The Association Between the Clinical Frailty Scale and Adverse Health Outcomes in Older Adults in Acute Clinical Settings - A Systematic Review of the Literature. Clin Interv Aging 2023; 18:249-261. [PMID: 36843633 PMCID: PMC9946013 DOI: 10.2147/cia.s388160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Frail older adults experience higher rates of adverse health outcomes. Therefore, assessing pre-hospital frailty early in the course of care is essential to identify the most vulnerable patients and determine their risk of deterioration. The Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS) is a frailty assessment tool that evaluates pre-hospital mobility, energy, physical activity, and function to generate a score that ranges from very fit to terminally ill. Purpose To synthesize the evidence of the association between the CFS degree and all-cause mortality, all-cause readmission, length of hospital stay, adverse discharge destination, and functional decline in patients >65 years in acute clinical settings. Design Systematic review with narrative synthesis. Methods Electronic databases (PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, Scopus) were searched for prospective or retrospective studies reporting a relationship between pre-hospital frailty according to the CFS and the outcomes of interest from database inception to April 2020. Results Our search yielded 756 articles, of which 29 studies were included in this review (15 were at moderate risk and 14 at low risk of bias). The included studies represented 26 cohorts from 25 countries (N = 44166) published between 2011 and 2020. All included studies showed that pre-hospital frailty according to the CFS is an independent predictor of all adverse health outcomes included in the review. Conclusion A primary purpose of the CFS is to grade clinically increased risk (i.e. risk stratification). Our results report the accumulated knowledge on the risk-predictive performance of the CFS and highlight the importance of routinely including frailty assessments, such as the CFS, to estimate biological age, improve risk assessments, and assist clinical decision-making in older adults in acute care. Further research into the potential of the CFS and whether implementing the CFS in routine practice will improve care and patients' quality of life is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Falk Erhag
- Neuropsychiatric Epidemiology Unit, Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden,Centre for Ageing and Health (Agecap), University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden,Region Västra Götaland, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Department of Acute Medicine and Geriatrics, Gothenburg, Sweden,Correspondence: Hanna Falk Erhag, Neuropsychiatric Epidemiology Unit, Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Wallinsgatan 6, Gothenburg, SE 431 41, Sweden, Tel +46 760 476888, Fax +46 31 786 60 77, Email
| | - Gudny Guðnadóttir
- Region Västra Götaland, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Department of Acute Medicine and Geriatrics, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Joakim Alfredsson
- Department of Cardiology, and Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Unit of Cardiovascular Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Tommy Cederholm
- Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden,Theme Inflammation and Aging, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Niklas Ekerstad
- Department of Health, Medicine, and Caring Sciences, Unit of Health Care Analysis, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden,The Research and Development Unit, NU Hospital Group, Trollhättan, Sweden
| | - Dorota Religa
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences, and Society, Clinical Geriatrics, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden,Division for Clinical Geriatrics, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Bengt Nellgård
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, Institute of Clinical Studies, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Katarina Wilhelmson
- Centre for Ageing and Health (Agecap), University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden,Region Västra Götaland, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Department of Acute Medicine and Geriatrics, Gothenburg, Sweden,Department of Health and Rehabilitation, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
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Hörlin E, Munir Ehrlington S, Henricson J, John RT, Wilhelms D. Inter-rater reliability of the Clinical Frailty Scale by staff members in a Swedish emergency department setting. Acad Emerg Med 2022; 29:1431-1437. [PMID: 36200372 PMCID: PMC10092290 DOI: 10.1111/acem.14603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION As frailty among the elderly is receiving increasing attention in emergency departments (EDs) around the world, the use of frailty assessment tools is growing. An often used such tool is the Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS), whose inter-rater reliability has been sparingly investigated in ED settings. No inter-rater reliability study regarding CFS has previously been performed within the Scandinavian ED context. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the inter-rater reliability of the CFS in a Swedish ED setting. METHODS This was a prospective observational study conducted at three Swedish EDs. Patients ≥65 years were independently assessed with CFS by their responsible physician, registered nurse, and assistant nurse. Demographic information for each assessor was collected, along with frailty status (frail/not frail) on the basis of clinical judgment. Inter-rater reliability was calculated using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), whereas agreement of frailty assessed by CFS (dichotomized between frail/not frail, cutoff at ≥5 points) versus solely by clinical judgment was calculated by using cross-tabulation. RESULTS One-hundred patients were included. We found inter-rater reliability to be moderate to good (ICC 0.78, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.72-0.84), regardless of whether the care team included an emergency physician (ICC 0.74, 95% CI 0.62-0.83) or an intern/resident from another specialty (ICC 0.83, 95% CI 0.74-0.89). The agreement of clinically judged frailty compared to frailty according to CFS was 84%. In the opposing cases, staff tended to assess patients as frail to a higher extent using clinical judgment than by applying CFS on the same patient. CONCLUSIONS The CFS appears to have a moderate to good inter-rater reliability when used in a clinical ED setting. When guiding clinical decisions, we advise that the CFS score should be discussed within the team. Further research needs to be performed on the accuracy of clinical judgment to identify frailty in ED patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika Hörlin
- Department of Emergency Medicine and Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Samia Munir Ehrlington
- Department of Emergency Medicine and Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Joakim Henricson
- Department of Emergency Medicine and Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Rani Toll John
- Department of Emergency Medicine and Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Daniel Wilhelms
- Department of Emergency Medicine and Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
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Slagel IC, Hatcher V, Romanowski KS, Skeete DA, Galet C. Frailty in mid-life predicts outcome following trauma. Eur J Trauma Emerg Surg 2022; 49:1071-1078. [PMID: 36266479 DOI: 10.1007/s00068-022-02145-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Midlife adults (50-64 y) are at risk for falls and subsequent injury; yet current guidance on fall screening only pertains to older adults (> 65 y). Herein, we evaluated whether frailty was predictive of readmission for falls in midlife trauma patients. STUDY DESIGN This was a retrospective cohort study of trauma midlife patients admitted for traumatic injuries from 2010 to 2015. Demographics, injury data, fall history, and post-index readmission for falls were collected from medical records. Frailty scores were calculated retrospectively using the Canadian Study of Health and Aging Clinical Frailty Scale (CSHA-CFS). The association between frailty and outcomes was assessed. p < 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS A total of 326 midlife patients were included, 54% were considered fit, 33.7% pre-frail, and 12.3% frail. Compared to their fit and pre-frail counterparts, frail patients were more likely to be female (67.5% vs. 46.3% vs. 36.3%, p < 0.001), have a history of fall (22.5% vs. 15.5% vs. 6.2%, p < 0.001), and to have suffered a ground level fall on index admission (52.5% vs. 20% vs. 5.7%, p < 0.001). Controlling for age, BMI, gender, race, and fall history, frailty was associated with readmission of midlife adults for falls (OR = 1.82 [1.23-2.69]; p = 0.003) and discharge to skilled nursing facilities (OR = 26.86 [8.03-89.81], p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Pre-injury frailty may be an effective tool to predict risk of readmission for fall and discharge disposition in midlife trauma patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isaac C Slagel
- Division of Acute Care Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Iowa, 200 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Victor Hatcher
- Division of Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Kathleen S Romanowski
- Division of Burn Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Dionne A Skeete
- Division of Acute Care Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Iowa, 200 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Colette Galet
- Division of Acute Care Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Iowa, 200 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA.
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Dahlén E, Björkhem-Bergman L. Comparison of Creatinine and Cystatin C to Estimate Renal Function in Geriatric and Frail Patients. Life (Basel) 2022; 12:life12060846. [PMID: 35743877 PMCID: PMC9227422 DOI: 10.3390/life12060846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Revised: 06/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to compare estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) with creatinine (eGFRcrea) and cystatin C (eGFRcys) in geriatric and frail patients. A retrospective, cross-sectional study was performed at a geriatric clinic in Stockholm (n = 95). The revised Lund−Malmö equation was used to calculate eGFRcrea and the Caucasian-Asian-Pediatric-Adult (CAPA) equation was used for eGFRcys. The absolute mean percentage difference between eGFRcrea and eGFRcys was used as a surrogate measure for accuracy in eGFR. Other outcome measures were consistency expressed in Lin’s concordance correlation coefficient and the proportion of consistent staging of renal failure. Subgroup analyses were performed with regard to frailty (according to Clinical Frailty Scale) and age. eGFRcys estimated lower GFR than eGFRcrea across the entire study population as well as in all subgroups (p < 0.05). Difference between the estimates increased with increasing frailty (r2 = 0.15, p < 0.01), but was not significantly affected by age (r2 = 0.004, p = 0.55). In conclusion, eGFRcys was significantly lower compared to eGFRcrea in geriatric and frail patients. Moreover, frailty had greater impact than age on the accuracy of eGFR. However, this study cannot determine if any of the estimates are preferable over the other in this patient group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik Dahlén
- Jakobsberg Geriatric Clinic, Jakobsberg’s Hospital, Järfälla, 177 31 Stockholm, Sweden
- Correspondence:
| | - Linda Björkhem-Bergman
- Division of Clinical Geriatrics, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Blickagången 16, Neo Floor 7, Huddinge, 141 83 Stockholm, Sweden;
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Liu X, Le MK, Lim AYC, Koh EJ, Nguyen TN, Malik NA, Lien CTC, Lee JE, Au LSY, Low JAYH, Wee SL. Perspectives on frailty screening, management and its implementation among acute care providers in Singapore: a qualitative study. BMC Geriatr 2022; 22:58. [PMID: 35039007 PMCID: PMC8762449 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-021-02686-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND COVID-19 pandemic has reminded how older adults with frailty are particularly exposed to adverse outcomes. In the acute care setting, consideration of evidence-based practice related to frailty screening and management is needed to improve the care provided to aging populations. It is important to assess for frailty in acute care so as to establish treatment priorities and goals for the individual. Our study explored understanding on frailty and practice of frailty screening among different acute care professionals in Singapore, and identify barriers and facilitators concerning frailty screening and its implementation. METHODS A qualitative study using focus group discussion among nurses and individual interviews among physicians from four departments (Accident & Emergency, Anesthesia, General Surgery, Orthopedics) in three acute hospitals from the three public health clusters in Singapore. Participants were recruited through purposive sampling of specific clinicians seeing a high proportion of older patients at the hospitals. Thematic analysis of the data was performed using NVIVO 12.0. RESULTS Frailty was mainly but inadequately understood as a physical and age-related concept. Screening for frailty in acute care was considered important to identify high risk patients, to implement targeted treatment and care, and to support decision making and prognosis estimation. Specific issues related to screening, management and implementation were identified: cooperation from patient/caregivers, acceptance from healthcare workers/hospital managers, need for dedicated resources, guidelines for follow-up management and consensus on the scope of measurement for different specialties. CONCLUSION Our findings indicated the need for 1) frailty-related education program for patients/care givers and stakeholders 2) inter-professional collaboration to develop integrated approach for screening and management of hospital patients with frailty and 3) hospital-wide consensus to adopt a common frailty screening tool.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Liu
- Geriatric Education and Research Institute, Yishun, Singapore
| | - Mai Khanh Le
- Geriatric Education and Research Institute, Yishun, Singapore
| | | | - Emily Jiali Koh
- Geriatric Education and Research Institute, Yishun, Singapore
| | - Tu Ngoc Nguyen
- Geriatric Education and Research Institute, Yishun, Singapore
| | | | | | - Jer En Lee
- Woodlands Health Campus, Yishun, Singapore
| | | | - James Alvin Yiew Hock Low
- Geriatric Education and Research Institute, Yishun, Singapore
- Khoo Teck Puat Hospital, Yishun, Singapore
| | - Shiou Liang Wee
- Geriatric Education and Research Institute, Yishun, Singapore.
- Health and Social Sciences Cluster, Singapore Institute of Technology, Dover, Singapore.
- , Yishun, Singapore.
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A narrative review of frailty assessment in older patients at the emergency department. Eur J Emerg Med 2021; 28:266-276. [PMID: 33883392 DOI: 10.1097/mej.0000000000000811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Optimizing emergency care for the aging population is an important future challenge, as the proportion of older patients at the emergency department (ED) rapidly increases. Older patients, particularly those who are frail, have a high risk of adverse outcomes after an ED visit, such as functional decline, institutionalization, and death. The ED can have a key position in identifying frail older patients who benefit most from comprehensive geriatric care [including delirium preventive measures, early evaluation of after-discharge care, and a comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA)]. However, performing extensive frailty assessment is not suitable at the ED. Therefore, quick and easy-to-use instruments are needed to identify older patients at risk for adverse outcomes. This narrative review outlines the importance and complexity of frailty assessment at the ED. It aligns the available screening instruments, including clinical judgment as frailty assessment, and summarizes arguments for and against frailty assessment at the ED.
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Vrettos I, Voukelatou P, Panayiotou S, Kyvetos A, Kalliakmanis A, Makrilakis K, Sfikakis PP, Niakas D. Validation of the revised 9-scale clinical frailty scale (CFS) in Greek language. BMC Geriatr 2021; 21:393. [PMID: 34187373 PMCID: PMC8243421 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-021-02318-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Among many screening tools that have been developed to detect frailty in older adults, Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS) is a valid, reliable and easy-to-use tool that has been translated in several languages. The aim of this study was to develop a valid and reliable version of the CFS to the Greek language. METHODS A Greek version was obtained by translation (English to Greek) and back translation (Greek to English). The "known-group" construct validity of the CFS was determined by using test for trends. Criterion concurrent validity was assessed by evaluating the extent that CFS relates to Barthel Index, using Pearson's correlation coefficient. Both inter-rater and test-retest reliability were assessed using intraclass correlation coefficient. RESULTS Known groups comparison supports the construct validity of the CFS. The strong negative correlation between CFS and Barthel Index (rs = - 0,725, p ≤ 0.001), supports the criterion concurrent validity of the instrument. The intraclass correlation was good for both inter-rater (0.87, 95%CI: 0.82-0.90) and test-retest reliability (0.89: 95%CI: 0.85-0.92). CONCLUSION The Greek version of the CFS is a valid and reliable instrument for the identification of frailty in the Greek population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis Vrettos
- 2nd Department of Internal Medicine, General and Oncology Hospital of Kifissia “Agioi Anargyroi”, Noufaron and 14 Timiou Stavrou street, Athens, Greece
- Department of Health Economics, School of Health Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias street, Athens, Greece
| | - Panagiota Voukelatou
- 2nd Department of Internal Medicine, General and Oncology Hospital of Kifissia “Agioi Anargyroi”, Noufaron and 14 Timiou Stavrou street, Athens, Greece
| | - Stefani Panayiotou
- 2nd Department of Internal Medicine, General and Oncology Hospital of Kifissia “Agioi Anargyroi”, Noufaron and 14 Timiou Stavrou street, Athens, Greece
| | - Andreas Kyvetos
- 2nd Department of Internal Medicine, General and Oncology Hospital of Kifissia “Agioi Anargyroi”, Noufaron and 14 Timiou Stavrou street, Athens, Greece
| | - Andreas Kalliakmanis
- 2nd Department of Internal Medicine, General and Oncology Hospital of Kifissia “Agioi Anargyroi”, Noufaron and 14 Timiou Stavrou street, Athens, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Makrilakis
- 1st Department of Propedeutic Internal Medicine, Laikon General Hospital, 17 Agiou Thoma street, Athens, Greece
- School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias street, Athens, Greece
| | - Petros P. Sfikakis
- School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias street, Athens, Greece
- 1st Department of Propedeutic Internal Medicine-Rheumatology Unit, Laikon General Hospital, 17 Agiou Thoma street, Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitris Niakas
- Department of Health Economics, School of Health Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias street, Athens, Greece
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Clark D, Matheson K, West B, Vinson A, West K, Jain A, Rockwood K, Tennankore K. Frailty Severity and Hospitalization After Dialysis Initiation. Can J Kidney Health Dis 2021; 8:20543581211023330. [PMID: 34178362 PMCID: PMC8202313 DOI: 10.1177/20543581211023330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Frailty is associated with hospitalization and mortality among dialysis patients. To now, few studies have considered the degree of frailty as a predictor of hospitalization. Objective: We evaluated whether frailty severity was associated with hospitalization after dialysis initiation. Design: Retrolective cohort study. Setting: Nova Scotia, Canada. Patients: Consecutive adult, chronic dialysis patients who initiated dialysis from January 1, 2009 to June 30, 2014, (last follow-up June, 2015). Methods: Frailty Severity, as determined by the 7-point Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS, ranging from 1 = very fit to 7 = severely frail), was measured at dialysis initiation and treated as continuous and in categories (CFS scores of 1-3, 4/5, and 6/7). Hospitalization was characterized by cumulative time admitted to hospital (proportion of days admitted/time at risk) and by the joint risk of hospitalization and death. Time at risk included time in hospital after dialysis initiation and patients were followed until transplantation or death. Results: Of 647 patients (mean age: 62 ± 15), 564 (87%) had CFS scores. The mean CFS score was 4 (“corresponding to “vulnerable”) ± 2 (“well” to “moderately frail”). In an adjusted negative binomial regression model, moderate-severely frail patients (CFS 6/7) had a >2-fold increased risk of cumulative time admitted to hospital compared to the lowest CFS category (IRR = 2.18, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.31-3.63). In the joint model, moderate-severely frail patients had a 61% increase in the relative hazard for hospitalization (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.61, 95% CI = 1.29-2.02) and a 93% increase in the relative hazard for death compared to the lowest CFS category (HR = 1.93, 95% CI = 1.16-3.22). Limitations: Potential unknown confounders may have affected the association between frailty severity and hospitalization given observational study design. The CFS is subjective and different clinicians may grade frailty severity differently or misclassify patients on the basis of limited availability. Conclusions: Among incident dialysis patients, a higher frailty severity as defined by the CFS is associated with both an increased risk of cumulative time admitted to hospital and joint risk of hospitalization and death.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Clark
- Department of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Kara Matheson
- Department of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Benjamin West
- Department of Engineering, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Amanda Vinson
- Department of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Kenneth West
- Department of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Arsh Jain
- Department of Medicine, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Kenneth Rockwood
- Department of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada.,Center for Health Care of the Elderly, QEII Health Sciences Centre, Halifax, Canada
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12
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Park CM, Kim W, Rhim HC, Lee ES, Kim JH, Cho KH, Kim DH. Frailty and hospitalization-associated disability after pneumonia: A prospective cohort study. BMC Geriatr 2021. [PMID: 33546614 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-021-02049-5[publishedonlinefirst:2021/02/07]] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pneumonia is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in older adults. The role of frailty assessment in older adults with pneumonia is not well defined. Our purpose of the study was to investigate 30-day clinical course and functional outcomes of pneumonia in older adults with different levels of frailty. METHODS A prospective cohort was conducted at a university hospital in Seoul, Korea with 176 patients who were 65 years or older and hospitalized with pneumonia. A 50-item deficit-accumulation frailty index (FI) (range: 0-1; robust < 0.15, pre-frail 0.15-0.24, mild-to-moderately frail 0.25-0.44, and severely frail ≥ 0.45) and the pneumonia severity CURB-65 score (range: 0-5) were measured. Primary outcome was death or functional decline, defined as worsening dependencies in 21 daily activities and physical tasks in 30 days. Secondary outcomes were intensive care unit admission, psychoactive drug use, nasogastric tube feeding, prolonged hospitalization (length of stay > 15 days), and discharge to a long-term care institution. RESULTS The population had a median age 79 (interquartile range, 75-84) years, 68 (38.6 %) female, and 45 (25.5 %) robust, 36 (47.4 %) pre-frail, 37 (21.0 %) mild-to-moderately frail, and 58 (33.0 %) severely frail patients. After adjusting for age, sex, and CURB-65, the risk of primary outcome for increasing frailty categories was 46.7 %, 61.1 %, 83.8 %, and 86.2 %, respectively (p = 0.014). The risk was higher in patients with frailty (FI ≥ 0.25) than without (FI < 0.25) among those with CURB-65 0-2 points (75 % vs. 52 %; p = 0.022) and among those with CURB-65 3-5 points (93 % vs. 65 %; p = 0.007). In addition, patients with greater frailty were more likely to require nasogastric tube feeding (robust vs. severe frailty: 13.9 % vs. 60.3 %) and prolonged hospitalization (18.2 % vs. 50.9 %) and discharge to a long-term care institution (4.4 % vs. 59.3 %) (p < 0.05 for all). Rates of intensive care unit admission and psychoactive drug use were similar. CONCLUSIONS Older adults with frailty experience high rates of death or functional decline in 30 days of pneumonia hospitalization, regardless of the pneumonia severity. These results underscore the importance of frailty assessment in the acute care setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chan Mi Park
- Department of Family Medicine, Korea University Anam Hospital, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Wonsock Kim
- Department of Family Medicine, Korea University Anam Hospital, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hye Chang Rhim
- Harvard T.H Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Eun Sik Lee
- Department of Family Medicine, Korea University Anam Hospital, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong Hun Kim
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University, 59 Yatap-ro, Bundang-gu, Seongnam, 13496, Republic of Korea.
| | - Kyung Hwan Cho
- Department of Family Medicine, Korea University Anam Hospital, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Dae Hyun Kim
- Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research, Hebrew SeniorLife, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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13
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Park CM, Kim W, Rhim HC, Lee ES, Kim JH, Cho KH, Kim DH. Frailty and hospitalization-associated disability after pneumonia: A prospective cohort study. BMC Geriatr 2021; 21:111. [PMID: 33546614 PMCID: PMC7864132 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-021-02049-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Pneumonia is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in older adults. The role of frailty assessment in older adults with pneumonia is not well defined. Our purpose of the study was to investigate 30-day clinical course and functional outcomes of pneumonia in older adults with different levels of frailty. Methods A prospective cohort was conducted at a university hospital in Seoul, Korea with 176 patients who were 65 years or older and hospitalized with pneumonia. A 50-item deficit-accumulation frailty index (FI) (range: 0–1; robust < 0.15, pre-frail 0.15–0.24, mild-to-moderately frail 0.25–0.44, and severely frail ≥ 0.45) and the pneumonia severity CURB-65 score (range: 0–5) were measured. Primary outcome was death or functional decline, defined as worsening dependencies in 21 daily activities and physical tasks in 30 days. Secondary outcomes were intensive care unit admission, psychoactive drug use, nasogastric tube feeding, prolonged hospitalization (length of stay > 15 days), and discharge to a long-term care institution. Results The population had a median age 79 (interquartile range, 75–84) years, 68 (38.6 %) female, and 45 (25.5 %) robust, 36 (47.4 %) pre-frail, 37 (21.0 %) mild-to-moderately frail, and 58 (33.0 %) severely frail patients. After adjusting for age, sex, and CURB-65, the risk of primary outcome for increasing frailty categories was 46.7 %, 61.1 %, 83.8 %, and 86.2 %, respectively (p = 0.014). The risk was higher in patients with frailty (FI ≥ 0.25) than without (FI < 0.25) among those with CURB-65 0–2 points (75 % vs. 52 %; p = 0.022) and among those with CURB-65 3–5 points (93 % vs. 65 %; p = 0.007). In addition, patients with greater frailty were more likely to require nasogastric tube feeding (robust vs. severe frailty: 13.9 % vs. 60.3 %) and prolonged hospitalization (18.2 % vs. 50.9 %) and discharge to a long-term care institution (4.4 % vs. 59.3 %) (p < 0.05 for all). Rates of intensive care unit admission and psychoactive drug use were similar. Conclusions Older adults with frailty experience high rates of death or functional decline in 30 days of pneumonia hospitalization, regardless of the pneumonia severity. These results underscore the importance of frailty assessment in the acute care setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chan Mi Park
- Department of Family Medicine, Korea University Anam Hospital, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Wonsock Kim
- Department of Family Medicine, Korea University Anam Hospital, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hye Chang Rhim
- Harvard T.H Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Eun Sik Lee
- Department of Family Medicine, Korea University Anam Hospital, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong Hun Kim
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University, 59 Yatap-ro, Bundang-gu, Seongnam, 13496, Republic of Korea.
| | - Kyung Hwan Cho
- Department of Family Medicine, Korea University Anam Hospital, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Dae Hyun Kim
- Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research, Hebrew SeniorLife, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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14
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Becker C, Manzelli A, Marti A, Cam H, Beck K, Vincent A, Keller A, Bassetti S, Rikli D, Schaefert R, Tisljar K, Sutter R, Hunziker S. Association of medical futility with do-not-resuscitate (DNR) code status in hospitalised patients. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ETHICS 2021; 47:medethics-2020-106977. [PMID: 33514639 DOI: 10.1136/medethics-2020-106977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Revised: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Guidelines recommend a 'do-not-resuscitate' (DNR) code status for inpatients in which cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) attempts are considered futile because of low probability of survival with good neurological outcome. We retrospectively assessed the prevalence of DNR code status and its association with presumed CPR futility defined by the Good Outcome Following Attempted Resuscitation score and the Clinical Frailty Scale in patients hospitalised in the Divisions of Internal Medicine and Traumatology/Orthopedics at the University Hospital of Basel between September 2018 and June 2019. The definition of presumed CPR futility was met in 467 (16.2%) of 2889 patients. 866 (30.0%) patients had a DNR code status. In a regression model adjusted for age, gender, main diagnosis, nationality, language and religion, presumed CPR futility was associated with a higher likelihood of a DNR code status (37.3% vs 7.1%, adjusted OR 2.99, 95% CI 2.31 to 3.88, p<0.001). In the subgroup of patients with presumed futile CPR, 144 of 467 (30.8%) had a full code status, which was independently associated with younger age, male gender, non-Christian religion and non-Swiss citizenship. We found a significant proportion of hospitalised patients to have a full code status despite the fact that CPR had to be considered futile according to an established definition. Whether these decisions were based on patient preferences or whether there was a lack of patient involvement in decision-making needs further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoph Becker
- Medical Communication and Psychosomatics, Universitatsspital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Emergency Department, Universitatsspital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Alessandra Manzelli
- Medical Communication and Psychosomatics, Universitatsspital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Alexander Marti
- Medical Communication and Psychosomatics, Universitatsspital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Hasret Cam
- Medical Communication and Psychosomatics, Universitatsspital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Katharina Beck
- Medical Communication and Psychosomatics, Universitatsspital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Alessia Vincent
- Medical Communication and Psychosomatics, Universitatsspital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Annalena Keller
- Medical Communication and Psychosomatics, Universitatsspital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Stefano Bassetti
- Division of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Daniel Rikli
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Division of Traumatology & Orthopedics, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Rainer Schaefert
- Medical Communication and Psychosomatics, Universitatsspital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Kai Tisljar
- Division of Critical Care Medicine, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Raoul Sutter
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Division of Critical Care Medicine, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Sabina Hunziker
- Medical Communication and Psychosomatics, Universitatsspital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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15
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Pulok MH, Theou O, van der Valk AM, Rockwood K. The role of illness acuity on the association between frailty and mortality in emergency department patients referred to internal medicine. Age Ageing 2020; 49:1071-1079. [PMID: 32392289 PMCID: PMC7583513 DOI: 10.1093/ageing/afaa089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Revised: 03/12/2020] [Accepted: 04/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND we investigated whether two frailty tools predicted mortality among emergency department (ED) patients referred to internal medicine and how the level of illness acuity influenced any association between frailty and mortality. METHODS two tools, embedded in a Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA), were the clinical frailty scale (CFS) and a 57-item deficit accumulation frailty index (FI-CGA). Illness acuity was assessed using the Canadian Triage and Acuity Scale (CTAS). We examined all-cause 30-day and 6-month mortality and time to death. RESULTS in 808 ED patients (mean age ± SD 80.8 ± 8.8, 54.4% female), the mean FI-CGA score was 0.44 ± 0.14, and the CFS was 5.6 ± 1.6. A minority (307; 38%) were classified as having high acuity (CTAS: 1-2). The 30-day mortality rate was 17%; this increased to 34% at 6 months. Compared to well patients with low acuity, the risk of 30-day mortality was 22.5 times (95% CI: 9.35-62.12) higher for severely frail patients with high acuity; 53% of people with very severe frailty (CFS = 8) and high acuity died within 30 days. When acuity was low, the risk for 30-day mortality was significantly higher only among those with very high levels of frailty (CFS 7-9, FI-CGA > 0.5). When acuity was high, even lower levels of frailty (CFS 5-6, FI-CGA 0.4-0.5) were associated with higher 30-day mortality. CONCLUSIONS across levels of frailty, higher acuity increased mortality risk. When acuity was low, the risk was significant only when the degree of frailty was high, whereas when acuity was high, even lower levels of frailty were associated with greater mortality risk.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Olga Theou
- Geriatric Medicine Research, Nova Scotia Health Authority, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
- School of Physiotherapy, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | | | - Kenneth Rockwood
- Geriatric Medicine Research, Nova Scotia Health Authority, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
- Divisions of Geriatric Medicine & Neurology, Dalhousie University & Nova Scotia Health Authority, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
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16
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de Castro-Hamoy L, de Castro LD. Age Matters but it should not be Used to Discriminate Against the Elderly in Allocating Scarce Resources in the Context of COVID-19. Asian Bioeth Rev 2020; 12:331-340. [PMID: 32837555 PMCID: PMC7298697 DOI: 10.1007/s41649-020-00130-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Revised: 05/25/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
A patient's age serves as a very useful guide to physicians in deciding what disease manifestations to anticipate, what treatment to offer for certain conditions, and how to prepare for possible emergencies. In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, determining treatment options on the basis of a patient's chronological age can easily give rise to unjustified discrimination. This is of particular significance in situations where the allocation of scarce critical care resources could have a direct impact on who will live and who will die. This paper examines the fairness of recommendations contained in resource allocation guidelines in the Philippines that have implications for the way elderly patients could be treated or excluded from some forms of critical care treatment in the context of the ongoing Corona virus emergency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leniza de Castro-Hamoy
- National Institutes of Health, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, Philippines.,Department of Pediatrics, Philippine General Hospital, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, Philippines
| | - Leonardo D de Castro
- Department of Philosophy, University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines
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17
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Hatcher VH, Galet C, Lilienthal M, Skeete DA, Romanowski KS. Association of Clinical Frailty Scores With Hospital Readmission for Falls After Index Admission for Trauma-Related Injury. JAMA Netw Open 2019; 2:e1912409. [PMID: 31577357 PMCID: PMC6777261 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2019.12409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Falls have been associated with morbidity and mortality in elderly patients. Assessment of frailty at hospital admission may help health care professionals evaluate fall risk in patients with trauma-related injury. OBJECTIVE To determine whether frailty assessed using the Canadian Study of Health and Aging Clinical Frailty Scale is associated with readmission for falls after index admission for trauma-related injury in patients aged 50 years and older. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This retrospective cohort study reviewed the medical records of 804 patients aged 50 years and older with trauma-related injury who were admitted to the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics between July 1, 2010, and June 30, 2015. Records were reviewed from May 30 to August 1, 2017, and patient demographics, admission data, injury severity scores, history of falls, and postindex readmission data for ground-level falls were recorded. Frailty scores were calculated using the Canadian Study of Health and Aging Clinical Frailty Scale. Patients with a score of 5 or higher were classified as frail. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Frailty assessed using the Canadian Study of Health and Aging Clinical Frailty Scale and readmission for falls after index admission for trauma-related injury. RESULTS A total of 804 patients with trauma-related injury were included in the study. The mean (SD) age was 70 (13.4) years; 744 patients (93.4%) were white, and 380 (47.3%) were men. Among the total population, the mortality rate was 3.7%; 255 patients (31.7%) were classified as frail and 549 (68.3%) as nonfrail. The mean (SD) injury severity score was 9.8 (7.9), and the score was similar between frail and nonfrail patients. Of 255 frail patients, 179 (70.2%) were women, and frail patients were significantly older than nonfrail patients (mean [SD], 79.2 [12.1] years vs 66.2 [11.9] years, respectively; P < .001). The percentages of frail patients presenting to the hospital with a history of falls and readmitted for falls after index admission were higher than those of nonfrail patients (63 [24.8%] vs 53 [9.6%] and 55 [21.6%] vs 58 [10.6%], respectively; both P < .001). Frailty was associated with discharge to the home with health care (odds ratio [OR], 4.82; 95% CI, 2.10-11.01; P < .001), to a skilled nursing facility (OR, 5.47; 95% CI, 3.40-8.80; P < .001), and to a hospice care facility (OR, 8.47; 95% CI, 2.09-34.42; P = .003) compared with discharge to the home with self-care. Frailty was also associated with readmission for falls after index admission (OR, 2.26; 95% CI, 1.39-3.66; P = .001) and the number of falls within 1 year after index admission (OR, 1.32; 95% CI, 1.04-1.67; P = .02) compared with nonfrailty. The frailty analysis was controlled for age, body mass index, sex, and falls at index admission. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Measurement of frailty at hospital admission may be an effective tool to assess fall risk and discharge disposition among patients with trauma-related injury aged 50 years and older.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Colette Galet
- Division of Acute Care Surgery, Department of Surgery, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City
| | - Michele Lilienthal
- Division of Acute Care Surgery, Department of Surgery, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City
| | - Dionne A. Skeete
- Division of Acute Care Surgery, Department of Surgery, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City
| | - Kathleen S. Romanowski
- Division of Acute Care Surgery, Department of Surgery, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City
- Department of Surgery, University of California, Davis and Shriners Hospitals for Children, Northern California, Sacramento, California
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