Frailty
Abstract
Frailty is a syndrome of decreased reserve across multiple physiologic systems that is associated with greater risk for hospitalizations, disability, institutionalization, and other adverse outcomes, including mortality. Patients with frailty, most of whom are older adults, may be more likely to experience adverse outcomes due to iatrogenic causes, such as higher-risk medications or procedures. Guidelines recommend frailty screening for both chronic disease management and in-hospital care, as identification of frailty allows for risk mitigation and alignment of care with patients' goals. In addition, some interventions may delay or reverse frailty, thus increasing physiologic reserve and improving day-to-day function. This article reviews frailty definitions, approaches to assessment in different care settings, and management.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Frailty in Older Adults
Heart Failure Treatment and Management
Nutrition and Health in Aging
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Annals of Internal Medicine
- Publisher
- American College of Physicians
- Volume
- 179
- Issue
- 2
- Pages
- ITC17–ITC32
- Publication date
- 1 February 2026
- Language
- EN