Ten general practitioner practices are being invited to participate in a ground-breaking research project by the Centre for Health System Reform and Integration on frailty amongst elderly people. 

The Centre, which is a Mater Research and The University of Queensland collaboration, aims to identify the risks of frailty, a condition affecting up to 25 per cent of those aged over 70. 

Frailty is a syndrome of physiological decline, and the study involves participating general practitioners implementing a screening tool to help identify early risks of frailty. 

The Frailty Project Lead, Dr Caroline Nicholson, said the study would also assess the community services required to support those at risk of frailty, as well as their carers. 

“That’s why our research targets general practice, so the risk of frailty and pre-frailty can be better identified through primary care,” she said. 

“Early identification means GPs can implement preventative and management strategies, such as referral to nutrition and exercise programs.” 

She said older people who are frail are less resilient to stressors and have an increased risk of adverse medical outcomes, procedural complications, falls, institutionalisation, disability and death. 

“Many causes of frailty can be managed and even reversed,” she said.  

“The screening tool will help identify the risk of frailty in patients and determine the impact of screening within general practice.” 

Practices participating in the study will receive reimbursement for their time, acknowledging the value of their contribution to the research. 

For more information or to participate in The Frailty Project, contact Ruby Strauss at ruby.strauss@mater.uq.edu.au.  

Pictured: Dr Caroline Nicholson.