Key result
Less than half of responding UK NHS organizations identified sarcopenia and few used recognized algorithms, while frailty was commonly identified using the Rockwood Clinical Frailty Scale but often managed without comprehensive interventions.
Why the study?
Despite a rising clinical and research profile, there is limited information about how frailty and sarcopenia are diagnosed and managed in clinical practice.
Cross-Sectional
Yes
There is significant variability and a 'know-do' gap in the diagnosis and management of sarcopenia and frailty across UK NHS organisations, highlighting the need for standardized approaches and evidence-based interventions.
Answers are grounded in this paper and cite their sources.
Reveals inconsistent UK sarcopenia and frailty care; leaves open whether standardized protocols improve outcomes.
OBJECTIVES: Despite a rising clinical and research profile, there is limited information about how frailty and sarcopenia are diagnosed and managed in clinical practice. Our objective was to build a picture of current practice by conducting a survey of UK healthcare professionals. METHODS: We surveyed healthcare professionals in NHS organisations, using a series of four questionnaires. These focussed on the diagnosis and management of sarcopenia, and the diagnosis and management of frailty in acute medical units, community settings and surgical units. RESULTS: Response rates ranged from 49/177 (28%) organisations for the sarcopenia questionnaire to 104/177 (59%) for the surgical unit questionnaire. Less than half of responding organisations identified sarcopenia; few made the diagnosis using a recognised algorithm or offered resistance training. The commonest tools used to identify frailty were the Rockwood Clinical Frailty Scale or presence of a frailty syndrome. Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment was offered by the majority of organisations, but this included exercise therapy in less than half of cases, and medication review in only one-third to two-thirds of cases. CONCLUSIONS: Opportunities exist to improve consistency of diagnosis and delivery of evidence-based interventions for both sarcopenia and frailty.
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Offord et al. (2019) conducted a cross-sectional in Sarcopenia and Frailty. Diagnosis and management practices for sarcopenia and frailty was evaluated on Proportion of organizations identifying sarcopenia and frailty, and the tools/interventions used. Less than half of responding UK NHS organizations identified sarcopenia and few used recognized algorithms, while frailty was commonly identified using the Rockwood Clinical Frailty Scale but often managed without comprehensive interventions.
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