Feasibility and Validity of Frailty Screening Tools as a Measure of Postoperative Outcomes in Older Patients Undergoing Elective Surgery

What this Trial Is About

Frailty is a common condition in older adults characterized by reduced physical reserve and increased vulnerability to stress, which can lead to complications after surgery such as longer hospital stays, readmissions, and higher mortality. This research aims to evaluate and validate three frailty screening tools—PRISMA-7 questionnaire, Timed Up & Go (TUG) test, and Clock Drawing Test (CDT)—to identify elderly patients at risk for complications before elective surgery. The study seeks to better understand frailty's impact on postoperative outcomes and find an efficient screening method suitable for large elderly populations. The study will include patients aged 70 and older who are scheduled for intermediate or major elective surgery at a hospital in Iceland. Frailty will be assessed using the PRISMA-7 questionnaire, the TUG test, and the CDT. Patients scoring positive on the CDT (2 or fewer out of 3 points) and TUG (taking 11 seconds or more) will be classified as frail, while others will serve as controls. Clinical data and postoperative outcomes including complications, readmission within 90 days, delirium, length of hospital stay, discharge status, and mortality up to 1 year will be collected from medical records. Participants will be screened during their preoperative assessment at the anesthesia outpatient clinic. Researchers will measure surgical complications up to 30 days after surgery and monitor readmissions for 90 days. They will also track length of hospital stay, delirium occurrence, discharge destination, and mortality for up to 180 days or 1 year after surgery. The study offers a comprehensive look at how frailty screening may predict risks and improve care for older surgical patients.

Validity of Frailty Screening Tools as a Measure for Postoperative Outcomes