Frailty 2: identifying, assessing and screening frail older people

Person-centred frailty assessment, underpinned by skilled nursing and multidisciplinary care, can improve outcomes for frail older people

Abstract

Health outcomes of frail older people can be improved with interventions specifically tailored to their needs, so identification and assessment of frailty severity are essential skills for nurses. This article – the second in a series about frailty – discusses the principles of assessment, considering the need for expert, person-centred nursing practice that sees the person first and then the syndrome.

Citation: Rushton J et al (2023) Frailty 2: identifying, assessing and screening frail older people. Nursing Times [online]; 119: 6.

Authors: James Rushton is assistant director of nursing (urgent care) – emergency assessment and access, Manchester Royal Infirmary; Ian Tyrell is advanced clinical practitioner, frailty, University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust; Anita Astle is managing director, Wren Hall Nursing Home; Zebbie Chilink is clinical lead nurse, Landermeads Nursing Home; Georgina Littlejohn is advanced clinical practitioner, community rapid response, Isle of Wight NHS Trust; Jonathan Webster is professor of practice development, Norfolk Initiative for Coastal and Rural Health Equalities (Anchor Institute), University of East Anglia.