Mobility Matters: The Association Between Current Level Of Frailty And The Elderly Mobility Scale In An Acute Older Population

Abstract Background Evidence has shown that the 4Ms What Matters most?, Mentation, Medication and Mobility are essential elements of the provision of high-quality care for older adults. The Elderly Mobility Scale (EMS) is a standardised and validated scale for the assessment of mobility in frail older adults in an acute hospital. In addition, frailty has shown a strong predictive ability for adverse health outcomes, demonstrating a higher risk of mortality, disability, institutionalisation and hospitalisation in frail older persons. This study aimed to examine the relationship between current Clinical Frailty Scores (CFS) and EMS scores in order to enhance its interpretation in clinical practice and become more patient centered. Methods A convenience sample of acute older adults undergoing physiotherapy was used in this study. Baseline demographics of age, gender, level of assistance required to mobilise and if the participants were at their baseline mobility was recorded. The participants CFS and EMS was measured a one single time point during their admission. The correlation between these was examined. Results A total of 21 participants were examined, of which 52.4% (n= 11) were male and 47.6% (n=10) were female. The median age of the population was 82 years and 14.3% (n=3) were independent with their mobility. The median CFS was 6 (moderately frail) and EMS was 8 points. A Spearman’s rank correlation showed a strong negative correlation (r=-0.88, p=0) between current CFS and their current EMS. Conclusion Although this study has a small sample, it gives an insight into the use of the CFS and EMS in clinical practice. A better knowledge of the interaction of frailty on mobility among the acute older population is essential for understanding the healthcare needs and delivery of age friendly healthcare services.