Non-Consultant Hospital Doctors in Ireland Experience of Frailty in Model 3 and Model 4 Hospitals

Abstract Background Non-consultant hospital doctors (NCHDs) are at the forefront of frailty assessment in Ireland. Early identification and management of frailty has been shown to improve morbidity and mortality. We formulated an anonymous survey to explore the baseline level of knowledge among NCHDs in Ireland of frailty and its impact on clinical care in both model 3 and model 4 hospitals. Methods A prospective cohort questionnaire-based survey was distributed to NCHDs across 3 secondary and tertiary hospitals in Ireland. The main outcome measures were familiarity of the definition of frailty, impact of frailty on clinical practice, and recognition of frailty amongst this cohort. Results A total of 90 NCHDs responded to the survey. Most NCHDs were at least moderately familiar with frailty as a concept (85%). 45% of NCHDs defined frailty as a state of increased vulnerability to stressors. 80% of NCHDs felt that frailty was reversible to some extent. 86% of NCHDs considered frailty in their clinical decision making. 59% of NCHDs felt that frailty should not be included in clinical history as part of past medical history. 71% of NCHDs felt that taking frailty into account would improve patient outcomes. Conclusion The majority of training doctors surveyed are familiar with frailty and consider it in clinical practice. Improved education into the definition of frailty and its impact on patient care amongst NCHDs would therefore have a positive impact on morbidity and mortality in older persons.