Frailty in the Older ED Patient

A Geri-EM.com E-learning Module

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Course Summary

When we meet an “old” patient in the ED, we don’t really ask ourselves how old they are, but how frail they are. When we are thinking about the clinical and physiological changes of aging, we are talking about frailty.  Frailty is a relatively new concept in geriatric medicine and one of the geriatric syndromes. It has been described as a state of reduced physiologic reserve, causing an increased vulnerability to acute and chronic stressors. Frailty has been correlated with functional decline, institutionalization, and increased mortality.

 

Therefore, every ED clinician should be able to screen, recognize and understand the clinical value of frailty in their patient. The prevalence of frailty varies between 7 and 35% depending on the population you study. It often manifests as decreased energy mobility, weight loss, decreased muscle strength, decreased energy levels and/or activity.

 

In this module, you will explore the definition and screening of frailty, as well its clinical implication. You will follow the case of Mrs. Finn.

Learning Objectives

Upon conclusion of this activity, participants should be able to:

  1. Define frailty following recognized definition criteria
  2. Assess your patient’s frailty level using the Clinical Frailty Score and other frailty assessment tools
  3. Recognize risk factors for frailty in your patient
  4. Name consequences of frailty in older adults
  5. Suggest tools to decrease the risk of frailty in your patient

Attendance at this Mayo Clinic-accredited course does not indicate nor guarantee competence or proficiency in the performance of any procedures which may be discussed or taught in this course.

Credit Statements

  • AMA

    Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science designates this live activity for a maximum of 1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

  • ANCC

    Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science designates this activity for a maximum of 1.00 ANCC contact hours. Nurses should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

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