The dynamics of frailty development and progression in older adults in primary care in England (2006–2017): a retrospective cohort profile

Abstract Background Frailty is a common condition in older adults and has a major impact on patient outcomes and service use. Information on the prevalence in middle-aged adults and the patterns of progression of frailty at an individual and population level is scarce. To address this, a cohort was defined from a large primary care database in England to describe the epidemiology of frailty and understand the dynamics of frailty within individuals and across the population. This article describes the structure of the dataset, cohort characteristics and planned analyses. Methods Retrospective cohort study using electronic health records. Participants were aged ≥50 years registered in practices contributing to the Oxford Royal College of General Practitioners Research and Surveillance Centre between 2006 to 2017. Data include GP practice details, patient sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, twice-yearly electronic Frailty Index (eFI), deaths, medication use and primary and secondary care health service use. Participants in each cohort year by age group, GP and patient characteristics at cohort entry are described. Results The cohort includes 2,177,656 patients, contributing 15,552,946 person-years, registered at 419 primary care practices in England. The mean age was 61 years, 52.1% of the cohort was female, and 77.6% lived in urban environments. Frailty increased with age, affecting 10% of adults aged 50–64 and 43.7% of adults aged ≥65. The prevalence of long-term conditions and specific frailty deficits increased with age, as did the eFI and the severity of frailty categories. Conclusion A comprehensive understanding of frailty dynamics will inform predictions of current and future care needs to facilitate timely planning of appropriate interventions, service configurations and workforce requirements. Analysis of this large, nationally representative cohort including participants aged ≥50 will capture earlier transitions to frailty and enable a detailed understanding of progression and impact. These results will inform novel simulation models which predict future health and service needs of older people living with frailty. Study registration Registered on www.clinicaltrials.gov October 25th 2019, NCT04139278.

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The Dynamics of Frailty Development and Progression in Older Adults in England (2006 – 2017): A Retrospective Cohort Profile

10.21203/rs.3.rs-547404/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Carole Fogg ◽

Simon DS Fraser ◽

Paul Roderick ◽

Simon Lusignan ◽

Andrew Clegg ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Primary Care ◽

Retrospective Cohort ◽

Service Use ◽

Frailty Index ◽

Population Level ◽

Service Needs ◽

Care Needs ◽

Future Health ◽

Long Term Conditions

Abstract Background: Frailty is a common condition in older adults and has a major impact on patient outcomes and service use. Information on the prevalence in middle-aged adults and the patterns of progression of frailty at an individual and population level is scarce. To address this, a cohort was defined from a large primary care database in England to describe the epidemiology of frailty and understand the dynamics of frailty within individuals and across the population. This article describes the structure of the dataset, cohort characteristics and planned analyses.Methods: Retrospective cohort study using electronic health records. Participants were aged ≥50 years registered in practices contributing to the Oxford Royal College of General Practitioners Research and Surveillance Centre between 2006 to 2017. Data include GP practice details, patient sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, twice-yearly electronic Frailty Index (eFI), deaths, medication use and primary and secondary care health service use. GP and patient characteristics at cohort entry are described. Planned analyses include frailty incidence, prevalence and transitions between frailty categories, predictors of transitions and trajectories, and relationships between frailty, service use and outcomes. Techniques including regression, multistate models and cost analyses will be used. Results: The cohort includes 2,177,656 patients, contributing 15,552,946 person-years, registered at 419 primary care practices in England. The mean age was 61 years, 52.1% of the cohort was female, and 77.6% lived in urban environments. Frailty increased with age, affecting 10% of adults aged 50-64 and 43.7% of adults aged ≥65. The prevalence of long-term conditions and specific frailty deficits increased with age, as did the eFI and the severity of frailty categories. Conclusion: A comprehensive understanding of frailty dynamics will inform predictions of current and future care needs to facilitate timely planning of appropriate interventions, service configurations and workforce requirements. Analysis of this large, nationally representative cohort including participants aged ≥50 will capture earlier transitions to frailty and enable a detailed understanding of progression and impact. These results will inform novel simulation models which predict future health and service needs of older people living with frailty. Study registration: registered on www.clinicaltrials.gov October 25th 2019, NCT04139278.

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An external pilot cluster randomised controlled trial of a theory-based intervention to improve appropriate polypharmacy in older people in primary care (PolyPrime): study protocol

Pilot and Feasibility Studies ◽

10.1186/s40814-021-00822-2 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 7 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Audrey Rankin ◽

◽

Cathal A. Cadogan ◽

Heather E. Barry ◽

Evie Gardner ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Primary Care ◽

Randomised Controlled Trial ◽

Older People ◽

Usual Care ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Cluster Randomised Controlled Trial ◽

Online Video ◽

Link Type ◽

Cluster Randomised ◽

Randomised Controlled

Abstract Background The use of multiple medications (polypharmacy) is a concern in older people (≥65 years) and is associated with negative health outcomes. For older populations with multimorbidity, polypharmacy is the reality and the key challenge is ensuring appropriate polypharmacy (as opposed to inappropriate polypharmacy). This external pilot cluster randomised controlled trial (cRCT) aims to further test a theory-based intervention to improve appropriate polypharmacy in older people in primary care in two jurisdictions, Northern Ireland (NI) and the Republic of Ireland (ROI). Methods Twelve GP practices across NI (n=6) and the six counties in the ROI that border NI will be randomised to either the intervention or usual care group. Members of the research team have developed an intervention to improve appropriate polypharmacy in older people in primary care using the Theoretical Domains Framework of behaviour change. The intervention consists of two components: (1) an online video which demonstrates how a GP may prescribe appropriate polypharmacy during a consultation with an older patient and (2) a patient recall process, whereby patients are invited to scheduled medication review consultations with GPs. Ten older patients receiving polypharmacy (≥4 medications) will be recruited per GP practice (n=120). GP practices allocated to the intervention arm will be asked to watch the online video and schedule medication reviews with patients on two occasions; an initial and a 6-month follow-up appointment. GP practices allocated to the control arm will continue to provide usual care to patients. The study will assess the feasibility of recruitment, retention and study procedures including collecting data on medication appropriateness (from GP records), quality of life and health service use (i.e. hospitalisations). An embedded process evaluation will assess intervention fidelity (i.e. was the intervention delivered as intended), acceptability of the intervention and potential mechanisms of action. Discussion This pilot cRCT will provide evidence of the feasibility of a range of study parameters such as recruitment and retention, data collection procedures and the acceptability of the intervention. Pre-specified progression criteria will also be used to determine whether or not to proceed to a definitive cRCT. Trial registration ISRCTN, ISRCTN41009897. Registered 19 November 2019. ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04181879. Registered 02 December 2019.

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The Role of Emergency Medical Services in Geriatrics: Bridging the Gap between Primary and Acute Care

CJEM ◽

10.1017/cem.2015.73 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 18 (1) ◽

pp. 54-61 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

Judah Goldstein ◽

Jennifer McVey ◽

Stacy Ackroyd-Stolarz

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Primary Care ◽

Emergency Medical Services ◽

Acute Care ◽

Functional Independence ◽

Adverse Outcomes ◽

Medical Services ◽

Care Needs ◽

Frail Older Adults ◽

Emergency Medical

AbstractCaring for older adults is a major function of emergency medical services (EMS). Traditional EMS systems were designed to treat single acute conditions; this approach contrasts with best practices for the care of frail older adults. Care might be improved by the early identification of those who are frail and at highest risk for adverse outcomes. Paramedics are well positioned to play an important role via a more thorough evaluation of frailty (or vulnerability). These findings may inform both pre-hospital and subsequent emergency department (ED) based decisions. Innovative programs involving EMS, the ED, and primary care could reduce the workload on EDs while improving patient access to care, and ultimately patient outcomes. Some frail older adults will benefit from the resources and specialized knowledge provided by the ED, while others may be better helped in alternative ways, usually in coordination with primary care. Discerning between these groups is a challenge worthy of further inquiry. In either case, care should be timely, with a focus on identifying emergent or acute care needs, frailty evaluation, mobility assessments, identifying appropriate goals for treatment, promoting functional independence, and striving to have the patient return to their usual place of residence if this can be done safely. Paramedics are uniquely positioned to play a larger role in the care of our aging population. Improving paramedic education as it pertains to geriatrics is a critical next step.

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Repeat thyroid function tests for healthy older people are not needed

BMJ ◽

10.1136/bmj.l805 ◽

2019 ◽

pp. l805

Author(s):

Rob Cook ◽

Duncan Fortescue-Webb ◽

Rachel Taft

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Primary Care ◽

Older People ◽

Thyroid Function ◽

Health Research ◽

Thyroid Function Tests ◽

Research School ◽

Primary Care Research ◽

Care Research ◽

Function Tests

The study Roberts L, McCahon D, Johnson O, Haque MS, Parle J, Hobbs FR. Stability of thyroid function in older adults: the Birmingham Elderly Thyroid Study. Published on 28 August 2018 Br J Gen Pract 2018;68:e718-26. This study was funded by the National Institute for Health Research School for Primary Care Research (SPCR). To read the full NIHR Signal, go to: https://discover.dc.nihr.ac.uk/content/signal-000703/repeat-thyroid-function-tests-for-healthy-older-people-are-not-needed

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Geriatric Resource Teams: Equipping Primary Care Practices to Meet the Complex Care Needs of Older Adults

Geriatrics ◽

10.3390/geriatrics4040059 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 4 (4) ◽

pp. 59 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Gwendolen Buhr ◽

Carrissa Dixon ◽

Jan Dillard ◽

Elissa Nickolopoulos ◽

Lynn Bowlby ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Primary Care ◽

Cognitive Impairment ◽

Assessment Process ◽

Complex Care ◽

Care Needs ◽

Care Practices ◽

Primary Care Practices ◽

Complex Care Needs ◽

The Impact

Primary care practices lack the time, expertise, and resources to perform traditional comprehensive geriatric assessment. In particular, they need methods to improve their capacity to identify and care for older adults with complex care needs, such as cognitive impairment. As the US population ages, discovering strategies to address these complex care needs within primary care are urgently needed. This article describes the development of an innovative, team-based model to improve the diagnosis and care of older adults with cognitive impairment in primary care practices. This model was developed through a mentoring process from a team with expertise in geriatrics and quality improvement. Refinement of the existing assessment process performed during routine care allowed patients with cognitive impairment to be identified. The practice team then used a collaborative workflow to connect patients with appropriate community resources. Utilization of these processes led to reduced referrals to the geriatrics specialty clinic, fewer patients presenting in a crisis to the social worker, and greater collaboration and self-efficacy for care of those with cognitive impairment within the practice. Although the model was initially developed to address cognitive impairment, the impact has been applied more broadly to improve the care of older adults with multimorbidity.

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P2524Extent and outcomes of frailty in older people with atrial fibrillation: a nationwide study using primary care data

European Heart Journal ◽

10.1093/eurheartj/ehz748.0853 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 40 (Supplement_1) ◽

Author(s):

C Wilkinson ◽

O Todd ◽

M Yadegarfar ◽

A Clegg ◽

C P Gale ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Atrial Fibrillation ◽

Primary Care ◽

Older People ◽

Proportional Hazards ◽

Frailty Index ◽

Community Setting ◽

Cox Proportional Hazards ◽

Adverse Outcomes ◽

All Cause Mortality

Abstract Background The prevalence of atrial fibrillation (AF) in older people is increasing, as is frailty. Frailty describes an increased vulnerability to adverse outcomes, whereby the balance of risk and benefit associated with an intervention may be more nuanced. However, there are limited data from a community setting on the prevalence of AF and frailty in older people. It is important to understand the burden of AF and frailty, and the associated impact on mortality and stroke disease in order to inform shared decision making with patients, and also inform guidelines for this increasing group of older people. Purpose To estimate the prevalence of AF and the burden of frailty in patients with AF, in a large primary care dataset. To report stroke and mortality by frailty group. Methods We used electronic health records of 537,051 patients in England aged 65 years or older on 31/12/2015, with follow-up for all-cause mortality and ischaemic or unclassified stroke to 11/04/2017. Patients with a history of AF were identified using Clinical Terms Version 3 (CTV-3) codes. Frailty was identified up to the point of study entry using the electronic frailty index (eFI, the proportion of deficits out of 36 possible deficits), and categorised into robust (0–0.12), mild (>0.12–0.24), moderate (>0.24–0.36) or severe (>0.36) frailty. Median CHA2DS2-VASc and ATRIA scores for patients with frailty were compared with the robust group using Mann-Whitney. The association between frailty status, all-cause mortality and stroke was calculated using Cox proportional hazards models, adjusted for age and sex. Results Of the cohort, 61,177 patients (11.4%) had AF. Of those with AF, 27,987 (45.8%) were female, and 54,734 (89.5%) had frailty. 6,443 (10.5%) were classified as robust; 20,352 (33.3%) mildly frail; 20,315 (33.2%) moderately frail; and 14,067 (23.0%) severely frail. The median number of eFI-defined deficits among patients with AF was 9 (interquartile range [IQR] 6–12). Median stroke and bleeding scores were higher in those with frailty compared with the robust group (CHA2DS2-VASc 4 [IQR 3–5] v 2 [2–3], p≤0.001; ATRIA 4 [2–6] v 1 [0–2], p≤0.001). During 73,338 patient-years of follow-up, there were 6,805 (11.1%) deaths and 945 (1.54%) strokes. Compared with the robust group, all-cause mortality and stroke were higher with increasing frailty. Mortality: mild frailty hazard ratio 1.53 (95% confidence interval 1.29–1.80); moderate frailty 2.50 (2.13–2.94); severe frailty 4.26 (3.63–5.01). Stroke: mild frailty 1.36 (0.99–1.85); moderate frailty 1.67 (1.23–2.28); severe 1.99 (1.45–2.73). Kaplan-Meier survival curves by frailty Conclusion The prevalence of AF among those aged over 65 years in primary care in England is high, the majority of whom are frail. Increasing severity of frailty was associated with higher mortality and stroke rates. The extent to which the judicious use of oral anticoagulation may improve clinical outcomes for patients with AF and frailty is currently unknown. Acknowledgement/Funding CPG: Bayer, BMS, AstraZeneca, Novartis Vifor Pharma, Menerini

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Social Participation Among Older Adults Receiving Community Care Services

Journal of Applied Gerontology ◽

10.1177/0733464820938973 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 073346482093897

Author(s):

Joyce Siette ◽

Helen Berry ◽

Mikaela Jorgensen ◽

Lindsey Brett ◽

Andrew Georgiou ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Social Participation ◽

Rural Women ◽

Service Use ◽

Community Care ◽

Care Service ◽

Geographical Location ◽

Aged Care ◽

Care Needs ◽

Care Services

Aged care services have the potential to support social participation for the growing number of adults aging at home, but little is known about the types of social activities older adults in community care are engaged in. We used cluster analysis to examine the current profiles of social participation across seven domains in 1,114 older Australians, and chi-square analyses to explore between-group differences in social participation and sociodemographic and community care service use. Two distinct participation profiles were identified: (a) connected, capable, older rural women and (b) isolated, high-needs, urban-dwelling men. The first group had higher levels of engagement across six social participation domains compared with the second group. Social participation among older adults receiving community care services varies by gender, age, individual care needs, and geographical location. More targeted service provision at both the individual and community levels may assist older adults to access social participation opportunities.

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Bridging community and prison for older adults: invoking human rights and elder and intergenerational family justice

International Journal of Prisoner Health ◽

10.1108/ijph-04-2013-0017 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 10 (1) ◽

pp. 55-73 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Tina Maschi ◽

Deborah Viola ◽

Mary T. Harrison ◽

William Harrison ◽

Lindsay Koskinen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Human Rights ◽

Service Use ◽

Family System ◽

Prison Population ◽

Interdisciplinary Approach ◽

Well Being ◽

Care Needs ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Content Type

Purpose – Older adults in prison present a significant health and human rights challenge for the criminal justice system. To date, there is no known study that provides a comprehensive examination or portrait of older persons in prison. The purpose of this paper is to understand individual, family, system, and community vulnerabilities that can complicate successful community reintegration for these individuals. Design/methodology/approach – This study provides a cross-sectional, descriptive analysis of biopsychosocial, spiritual, and prison use characteristics associated with a sample of 677 older prisoners, aged 50+, in a state-wide prison system. Findings – Results indicate the extent of diversity within this population based on demographic, clinical, social, legal profiles, prison service use patterns, and professional and personal contacts. Research limitations/implications – Due to the diversity within this population, an interdisciplinary approach is needed to address the complex social and health care needs of an aging prison population and to plan for their reentry. Practical implications – These findings suggest the need for holistic prevention, assessment, and interventions to interrupt the social-structural disparities that foster and support pathways to incarceration and recidivism. Originality/value – The human rights implications for the current treatment of older adults in prison include providing in-prison treatment that promotes safety, well-being, reconciliation, and seamless bridges between prison and community for older adults and their families. The True Grit Program is presented as an example of a humanistic and holistic approach of such an approach.

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Factors affecting primary care practitioners’ alcohol-related discussions with older adults: Qualitative study

British Journal of General Practice ◽

10.3399/bjgp.2020.1118 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. BJGP.2020.1118

Author(s):

Bethany Kate Bareham ◽

Jemma Stewart ◽

Eileen Kaner ◽

Barbara Hanratty

Keyword(s):

Primary Care ◽

Qualitative Study ◽

Older People ◽

Focus Groups ◽

Old Age ◽

Later Life ◽

Long Term Conditions ◽

Age Related ◽

Comparison Results ◽

Primary Care Practitioners

Background: Risk of harm from drinking is heightened in later life, due to age-related sensitivities to alcohol. Primary care services have a key role in supporting older people to make healthier decisions about alcohol. Aim: To examine primary care practitioners’ perceptions of factors that promote and challenge their work to support older people in alcohol risk-reduction. Design and Setting: Qualitative study consisting of semi-structured interviews and focus groups with primary care practitioners in Northern England. Method: Thirty-five practitioners (general practitioners, practice/district nurses, pharmacists, dentists, social care practitioners, domiciliary carers) participated in eight interviews and five focus groups. Data were analysed thematically, applying principles of constant comparison. Results: Practitioners highlighted particular sensitivities amongst older people to discussing alcohol, and reservations about older people’s resistance to making changes in old age; given drinking practices could be established, and promote socialisation and emotional wellbeing in later life. Age-related health issues increased older people’s contact with practitioners; but management of older people’s long-term conditions was prioritised over discussion of alcohol. Dedicated time to address alcohol in routine consultations with older people, and training in alcohol intervention facilitated practitioners; particularly pharmacists and practice nurses. Conclusion: There are clear opportunities to support older people in primary care to make healthier decisions about alcohol. Dedicated time to address alcohol, training in identification of alcohol-related risks, particularly those associated with old age; and tailored interventions for older people, feasible to implement in practice settings, would support primary care practitioners to address older people’s alcohol use.

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How do older adults understand and manage distress? A qualitative study

10.21203/rs.2.18070/v1 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Alice Moult ◽

Tom Kingstone ◽

Carolyn Chew-Graham

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Primary Care ◽

Older People ◽

Help Seeking ◽

Management Strategies ◽

Healthcare Services ◽

Ethical Review ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Management Options ◽

Community Groups

Abstract Background Anxiety and depression are prevalent in older adults, however, older people may be reluctant to seek medical help and may manage their own mood problems. Due to stigma, older adults are more likely to perceive and/ or recognise their mood problems as distress. Whilst previous literature has focused on how younger adults self-manage mood problems, little research has explored how older people self-manage distress. The study reported here seeks to address this gap through qualitative methods. Methods This study was approved by Keele University’s ethical review panel. Older adults who self-identified as distressed, depressed or anxious within the previous 12 months were recruited from community groups in North Staffordshire, England. Data were generated through semi-structured interviews and analysed thematically using constant comparison methods. A public and patient involvement and engagement group contributed to development of the research questions and methods, and offered their perspectives on the findings. Results Data saturation was achieved after 18 interviews. Key themes were: experiences of distress, actions taken, help-seeking from healthcare services and perceptions of treatments offered in primary care. Various forms of loss contributed to participants’ distress. Participants initiated their own self-management strategies which included: pursuing independent activities, seeking social support and attending community groups and church. Five participants reported having consulted a GP when distressed but described a lack of acceptable treatments offered. Conclusions To support older adults who are distressed, primary care healthcare professionals need to explore patients’ existing ways of managing mood problems, provide information about a range of management options and consider the use of sign-posting older adults to community resources.

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