Profile of Frailty and Delirium in Older Adults in an Irish Teaching Hospital

Abstract Background Frailty and delirium are associated with adverse clinical outcomes in hospitalised older adults. Specialist geriatric ward admission improves care. Screening for both conditions has been introduced to an Irish teaching hospital Emergency Department (ED). The profile of these conditions was studied to identify service needs. Methods A retrospective study of all inpatients ≥70 years admitted following ED presentation was completed on a specified date in February 2025. Records of frailty screening in ED using the Variable Indicative of Placement (VIP) score and delirium screening in ED using the 4AT score were assessed. Data collated on Excel was analysed using Chi-square tests. Results In the 256 bedded hospital, 166 patients aged ≥70 years were admitted through ED. The mean age was 80.65 (SD=6.99) years. Eighty-five (51.2%) were female and were significantly older than male patients (p<0.01). Screening for frailty was completed in 166 (100%) patients and delirium in 87 (52.4%) patients. The prevalence of frailty was 68% (n=113) and of delirium, in those screened was 27.6% (n=24). Twenty one (87.5%) patients who had delirium were frail. Frailty was associated with a higher likelihood of having delirium (p=0.037) and being older than non-frail patients (p<0.001). There was no significant gender difference in prevalence of frailty (p=0.296) or delirium (p=0.343). Frail patients were admitted under 12 different specialists (including 2 geriatricians) to all 11 acute wards. Conclusion Frailty and delirium are prevalent in older patients in hospital and highlight the need to implement hospital wide age friendly healthcare to ensure optimal outcomes.