Frailty Assessment in Patients Utilizing a Free Clinic

Frailty is most commonly associated with older adults; however, it has also been identified in vulnerable populations, including homeless adults. Patients who seek health care services in a free clinic often report physical exhaustion, difficulty coping with stressors, chronic disease states, environmental limitations, and a lack of social support, which may contribute to a state of frailty. This pilot study (N = 38) was conducted in adults ages 40-64 years who utilized a free clinic to determine if factors suggestive of frailty were present.

The Comprehensive Frailty Assessment Instrument (CFAI) was the primary data collection instrument. Anthropometrics and physical performance data were also collected.

Physical indicators of frailty were present in 60% of the sample. Psychological, social, and environmental factors affecting health were identified. Sixty-three percent of the participants scored frail or very frail on the CFAI. A larger study is needed to confirm these findings.