Clinical importance of the detection of frailty

Frailty is a multidimensional geriatric syndrome characterized by the loss of the individual reserve capacity and increased vulnerability to internal and external stressors. Frailty in older adults is associated with an increased risk for falls and loss of autonomy as well as an increased mortality. The identification of patients who suffer from frailty can trigger a comprehensive geriatric assessment and justify targeted treatment options. Furthermore, by the detection of frailty each patient with an increased risk of an unfavorable treatment outcome can be identified. There are a confusing number of instruments available for the detection of frailty but only a limited number of these instruments are available in a German version. The choice of an appropriate instrument is largely dependent on the clinical setting and the available resources.