Practical lessons in implementing frailty assessments for hospitalised patients with COPD

Practical lessons in implementing frailty assessments for hospitalised patients with COPD: Introduction

Frailty is a comprehensive health measure characterised by an individual’s vulnerability and diminished reserve when faced with health stressors.1–3 As one becomes increasingly frail, the ability to recover from acute illnesses is impaired, leading to progressive disability, increased risk of hospitalisation, need for supportive living environments and death.1 4–6

Current estimates suggest that 40% of community-dwelling adults are at risk of becoming frail, while 40% of hospitalised patients are ‘vulnerable’ or ‘mildly frail’.5 7 8 Hospitalisation is a key risk factor for the progression of frailty, especially among older adults.5 9–11

Frailty is measured with the Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS), a validated measure that is correlated with a comprehensive Frailty Index.1 Assessing frailty during patient encounters could...