PROVIDER UNDERSTANDING AND PERCEPTIONS OF FRAILTY: A SURVEY BASED ASSESSMENT OF CURRENT KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDES, AND BELIEFS IN AN URBAN TRAUMA CENTER

Objective: Quality improvement in geriatric trauma depends on timely identification of frailty, yet little is known about providers’ knowledge and beliefs toward frailty. This study sought to understand providers’... [ view full abstract ]

Objective: Quality improvement in geriatric trauma depends on timely identification of frailty, yet little is known about providers’ knowledge and beliefs toward frailty. This study sought to understand providers’ understanding, beliefs, and practices of frailty assessment. Methods: We developed a 20-question survey using the Health Belief Model (HBM) of health behavior and surveyed physicians, advanced practice providers, and trainees; results were analyzed via mixed methods. Results: 151 providers completed the survey (response rate 92%). Respondents commonly included age, but also a variety of other factors in their definitions, highlighting limited definitional consensus. Respondents perceived frailty as important to outcomes, but techniques to assess were varied; only 24/151 respondents (16%) were familiar with current frailty assessment tools. Perceived barriers included the burdensome nature of assessment tools, insufficient training, and lack of time. 3/15 respondents (20%) desired additional personnel to specifically address frailty. Conclusions: Providers considered frailty important, but many providers were unfamiliar with assessment tools, leaving them un-empowered to assess for frailty. For quality improvement in the care of geriatric trauma patients, screening initiatives are needed to identify frailty in vulnerable adults. In the future, a systematic frailty screening process would facilitate formulation of care plans aimed at improving patient-centered outcomes.