Frailty on the acute medical take

Clin Med (Lond). 2022 Jul;22(4):298-301. doi: 10.7861/clinmed.2022-0312.

Abstract

Frailty is a prevalent condition in urgent care settings associated with an increased risk of adverse events. Frailty commonly presents on the acute medical take in the form of geriatric syndromes, which include falls, delirium and immobility. Comprehensive geriatric assessment is the evidence-based holistic approach to assessing and managing people with frailty. This multidimensional and interdisciplinary process is generally specialist led, however, acute medical teams can make important contributions through early identification and grading of frailty, and proactive management of geriatric syndromes.

Keywords: acute medical take; comprehensive geriatric assessment; frailty; geriatric syndromes.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Ambulatory Care
  • Frail Elderly
  • Frailty*
  • Geriatric Assessment / methods
  • Humans
  • Syndrome