81 Does premorbid frailty status affect rehabilitation outcome?

Abstract

Abstract Background Frailty is associated with poorer rehabilitation outcome in functional gains, Length of Stay (LoS) and discharge destination. The aim of the study is to determine if pre-morbid frailty status affect functional gains, LoS, and discharge destination of patients undergoing rehabilitation. Methods 188 men and 241 women were (age 81+/− 10 years) admitted for rehabilitation with median LoS of 36 days. All data were collected as part of routine physiotherapy. Age, Clinical Frailty Score (CFS), functional gains [change in Berg Balance Score (BBS) and de Morton Mobility Index (DEMMI)], LoS and discharge destination (home or non-home) were recorded. 392 (91%) had CFS, 331 (77%) BBS, DEMMI 325 (75%) recorded. Patient with CFS category 1–4 were defined as Non-frail, Category 5–7 as Frail. Results are presented as mean (SD). Statistical tests included unpaired t-test, paired t-test and chi-square test. Significance is set at p < 0.05. Results Of the patients, 76% were living with frailty and were older (83.6 [7.9] years vs 78.4 [8.1] years) than the non-frail group (p < 0.0001), had longer LoS (49.1 [34.2] days vs 41.0 [31.8] days, p = 0.044) but just as likely to return home (71% vs 78%, p = 0.14). Patients living with frailty had lower pre and post-BBS and DEMMI score, both groups had significant functional gains (p < 0.0001). Pre and post-BBS in Frail group and Non- frail groups were (19 [13] vs 26 [15]) and (30[15] vs 42[13]) respectively. DEMMI in Frail and Non-frail group pre vs post were 32(15) vs 45(16) and 43(17) vs 60(18) respectively. While there was no difference in functional gains in BBS between groups (p = 0.17), the difference in DEMMI score were lower in frail group (p = 0.018). Conclusion Our study showed that both frail and Non-frail patients made functional gains with rehabilitation and patients living with frailty are just as likely to return home.