Frailty and AnE Flashcards
what is the role of Frailty?
frailty focuses on treating patients at home before they have the need to come to AnE, trying to prevent prolonged hospital stays
How does the British Geriatric Society (BGS) define frailty?
Frailty is a distinctive health state related to the ageing process in which multiple body systems gradually lose their in-built reserves.
is frailty inevitable in every person?
No, it can occur without the need of long term conditions
why are the ageing population having longer hospital stays?
this is due to attending ED more often and having to stay overnight due to common reasons
- falls resulting in fractures
- infections like pneumonia UTIs and cellulitis
- exacerbation of chronic conditions - COPD/ diabetes
- delirium/ acute confusion
how does the graph of frail patients returning to baseline look like
the graph has a greater dip in functional abilities, moreover does not go back to the baseline, but sets a new baseline.
how can you screen for frailty (acronym)
SIDIF
what does SIDIF stand for
S- side effects of medication, (confusion with codeine)
I- immobility, this is when a person has a sudden change in the mobility status
D- delirium, if a person appears to to have new confusion and or memory loss
I- incontinence, when a person has a new onset of incontinence
F- falls, any new recent falls, legs giving way or near misses
how many (SIDIF) symptoms suggest a person is frail
3 or more
how does frailty manifest in MSK
through sarcopenia (reduced muscle mass) and osteoporosis (decreased bone density) and an increased risk of falls and fractures
how does frailty manifest in the cardiovascular system
- decreased cardiac output
- increased risk of heart failure
- slow recovery after exertion
how does frailty manifest in the respiratory system
- decreased lung capacity
- susceptible to infections
- weakened resp muscles
how does frailty manifest in the nervous system
- slower reflexes
- cognitive decline
- impaired coordination
how does frailty manifest in the digestive system
- slower digestion
- high risk of constipation
- decreased nutrient absorption
how does frailty manifest in the immune system
- slower wound healing
- increased infection risk
how does frailty manifest in the renal system
- increased dehydration
- decreased kidney function
what is the common Frailty tool used
Tinetti balance assessment
what is the Tinetti Balance Assessment
- its a clinical frailty tool
- measures balance, STS from a chair, balance with eyes closed, and a full turn
- then gait is measured taking into account; foot clearance, step symmetry, step continuity, path (if you deviate from a straight line) trunk and if heels are apart
what is a comprehensive geriatric assessment
its an assessment that considers: physical/ environmental/ functional factors, mobility, mental state and medication R/v. Then creates a plan to help with intervention
what is the physiotherapy intervention
- exercise prescription
- strength and resistance training
- endurance and ROM exercises
- functional and mobility exercises
outside of exercises what else can a physio do for intervention
- patient education on importance of activity
- falls prevention strategies
