Early detection of frail elderly in primary health service and at admission in hospital

Abstract

Summary. Frailty is regarded as a valuable concept for elderly persons with a vulnerable condition. In geriatric medicine and nursing we all know the distinction between chronological age (known by date of birth) and biological age. Elderly persons differ considerably in their biological age and their living circumstances. Especially frail elderly are at risk to develop severe complications as a result of their hospital stay, which will often lead to a break-down cascade. By early detection of the condition, many problems could have been prevented. So, it is wise to recognize this condition as soon as possible. In this presentation we will briefly review the state of the art about the concept of frailty and its (scientific) measurement. We will focus on the best practices. Topics to be discussed: 1. The concept of frailty in the scientific literature 2. Measurement of frailty, validity and realibility of instruments used 3. Scientific approach and best practices 4. Best practice 1: early detection of frail elderly at admission in hospital. The national hospital safety programme in the Netherlands 5. Best practice 2: early detection of frail elderly in primary health service. Collaboration between family doctors and community nurses. 6. Best practice 3: prevention projects in the community performed by Buurtzorg Nursing teams.