COVID-19 and the Challenges of Frailty Screening in Older Adults
Rónán Ó’Caoimh, S. Kennelly, Emer Ahern, Shaun T. O’Keeffe, R.R. Ortuño
Abstract
We read with interest the recent editorial examining the relationship between geriatric syndromes and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the cause of Covid-19 (1), particularly the authors recognition of the need to identify frailty among older adults presenting with suspected symptoms and the importance of mobilising a range of healthcare professionals to tackle this disease (1). However, the identification of frailty and the utilisation of screening instruments by those without geriatric training and especially in acute care is challenging. Frailty is a complex condition. While age-associated, it is multi-dimensional and remains difficult to define (2). Although the Covid-19 pandemic has disproportionately affected older adults (1), data are lacking and pathophysiological mechanisms and the impact of differential management strategies on the course of the disease among older adults is uncertain (1). Further, the prevalence of frailty among those diagnosed, admitted or dying is not clearly reported at present. Nevertheless, the rationale for using frailty to identify those at risk and to allocate care has been correctly highlighted (1). We suggest however, that the use of instruments such as the Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS) (3) and particularly by non-specialised staff in this setting warrants more careful examination.