Abstract
Introduction:
Frailty scoring is important for the identification of frailty. Frailty assessment can aid clinicians in targeting comprehensive geriatric assessment to improve patient experience and outcomes. We explored the feasibility of self-assessment for frailty, comparing patient-reported scores with specialist clinician assessments, evaluating its potential as a tool for improving frailty identification and intervention.
Methods:
Between August 2024 and January 2025, a modified Rockwood frailty score with eight descriptive categories was issued to patients in the Older Person’s Assessment Service, Emergency Department and Outpatient Clinic at Morriston Hospital. Patients completed the frailty score either on paper or electronically. The results of the patient’s and clinician’s frailty scores were compared and analysed.
Results:
A total of 173 paired questionnaires were completed. Twelve participants were excluded due to errors in completing the paper questionnaire. No electronically completed questionnaires were excluded. Among the remaining 161 paired questionnaires, there was a high level of agreement between patient and clinician, with most discrepancies being within a grade difference of one. The highest levels of agreement were observed in those with mild and moderate frailty, while the most significant discrepancies were found in the ‘’managing well’’ category. The mean self-assessed frailty score was 4.12 (with a standard deviation of 1.818), and the mean clinician-assessed frailty score was 4.29 (with a standard deviation of 1.637). The correlation coefficient between self-assessed and clinician-assessed frailty scores was 0.852, which was statistically significant (p<0.001).
Conclusion(s):
The strong correlation between patient self-reported and clinician-assessed frailty scores highlights a general agreement between the two perspectives. However, clinicians tend to assign slightly higher frailty levels, particularly in less severe cases. These findings underscore the potential value of integrating electronic self-screening tools to assess patients for frailty in various settings, thereby enhancing the quality of care provided.