Aims We report preliminary findings of an ongoing observational study conducted at Ballina District Hospital. Study aims include assessment on the prevalence of frailty in acute medical inpatients and assessment of change in frailty including associated factors at the time of patient admission and discharge.
Methods Participants were assessed on admission and discharge between 16/09/2022 – 01/02/2023. On admission, participants underwent assessment that included measurement of height, weight, albumin, estimated glomerular filtration rate and hemoglobin levels. Frailty was assessed via the Clinical Frailty Scale(CFS) and average handgrip strength(HGS) measured on admission and time of discharge.
Results A total of 83 participants (44 male, 39 female) were assessed with a mean age of 77.4 years(SD 13.0), mean CFS score of 4.2(SD 1.7) and average HGS on admission of 15.9 kg(SD 10). Males had a significantly higher HGS (p≤.001) and a significantly lower CFS (Z=-2.83, p=.005) than females on admission. There were inverse associations between average HGS on admission and CFS score (p<.001) as well as HGS and length of stay(LOS) (p=.002). Further analysis indicated an association between average HGS and LOS that was present in males(p<.001) and nearing significance in females(p=.052).
Conclusions Our findings suggest average HGR on admission may be a better predictor of frailty and longer LOS in acute medical inpatients. Whilst further research is required in frailty, our findings highlight the significant prevalence of frailty as a syndrome and the need to develop holistic, evidence-based intervention to facilitate best patient care.