Clinical Frailty Scale

Original Editor - User Name

Top Contributors - Vidya Acharya, Lucinda hampton and Aminat Abolade  

Objective

Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS) is used commonly to assess frailty. The CFS is utilized to predict the outcomes of older people hospitalized with acute illnesses. The CFS is commonly used to predict health outcomes that are significantly associated are mortality, comorbidity, functional decline, mobility, and cognitive decline.

The scale was developed from the Canadian Study of Health and Aging, and it provides a summary tool for clinicians to assess frailty and fitness. Initially, it was scored on a scale from 1 (very fit) to 7 (severely frail). It was modified to a 9-point scale to include very severely frail and terminally ill. It evaluates specific domains, including comorbidity, function, and cognition, to generate a frailty score ranging from 1 (very fit) to 9 (terminally ill).

Intended Population

The frail elderly population, all individuals over the age of 70 years should be screened for frailty.

Method of Use

It can be readily be administered in a clinical setting. Applying the CFS to patients is quick and requires data collection by watching the patient (mobilize), inquiring about their habitual physical activity and ability. The clinicians assess whether the patient can independently perform tasks such as bathing, dressing, housework, going upstairs, going out alone, going shopping, taking care of finances, taking medications, and preparing meals.