Aparna Arjunan1, Nancye M Peel1, Ruth E Hubbard1. 1. Centre for Research in Geriatric Medicine, Princess Alexandra Hospital, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: The measurement of frailty using a Frailty Index (FI) has been criticised as too time-consuming for use in hospital settings. We aimed to assess the feasibility and characteristics of an FI derived from routinely collected data. METHODS: A total of 258 participants aged 65 and older were included in a single-centre prospective cohort study conducted in inpatient geriatric rehabilitation wards. The functional independence measure (FIM™), medication count and comorbidities were coded as deficits. RESULTS: An FI could be derived in all participants. It was normally distributed with a mean (SD) of 0.42 (0.13) and reached a submaximal limit of 0.69. Adjusting for age and sex, the odds ratio of a poor outcome (death/discharge to higher care) was 1.38 (confidence interval 1.11-1.70) per unit (0.1) increase in FI. CONCLUSION: Derivation of an FI from routinely collected data is feasible in geriatric rehabilitation settings and is predictive of poor outcomes.
OBJECTIVES: The measurement of frailty using a Frailty Index (FI) has been criticised as too time-consuming for use in hospital settings. We aimed to assess the feasibility and characteristics of an FI derived from routinely collected data. METHODS: A total of 258 participants aged 65 and older were included in a single-centre prospective cohort study conducted in inpatient geriatric rehabilitation wards. The functional independence measure (FIM™), medication count and comorbidities were coded as deficits. RESULTS: An FI could be derived in all participants. It was normally distributed with a mean (SD) of 0.42 (0.13) and reached a submaximal limit of 0.69. Adjusting for age and sex, the odds ratio of a poor outcome (death/discharge to higher care) was 1.38 (confidence interval 1.11-1.70) per unit (0.1) increase in FI. CONCLUSION: Derivation of an FI from routinely collected data is feasible in geriatric rehabilitation settings and is predictive of poor outcomes.
Authors: Aafke J de Groot; Elizabeth M Wattel; Carmen S van Dam; Romke van Balen; Johannes C van der Wouden; Cees M P M Hertogh Journal: Age Ageing Date: 2022-02-02 Impact factor: 10.668