[Why and How Should I Assess Frailty? A Guide for the Preoperative Anesthesia Clinic]

Introduction: Frailty is a condition of decreased physiological reserves seen in approx. one third of elderly anesthesiological patients, and affecting many aspects of treatment as well as outcome. Although there are over 60 measurement instruments, frailty assessment is still poorly implemented. Understanding why and how to assess frailty is key to its implementation in preoperative anesthesia clinics. Method: After presenting the impact of perioperative frailty and the benefits of an early diagnosis on health related quality of life, we present an overview of the most important tools that can be used in the preoperative frailty assessment. Results: Early diagnosis offer several optimization opportunities for the perioperative period. The most efficient frailty assessment tools are presented and discussed, including physical, cognitive, and psychosocial aspects. Conclusion: Frailty assessments vary immensely in terms of required time, equipment, and expertise. We recommend at least one test for each domain of frailty, so as to obtain a more holistic view of the patient's physiological reserve. The implementation of an adequate and consistent preoperative frailty assessment has the potential to improve patient safety as well as short and long term outcomes.