The BGS was pleased to contribute evidence to the House of Commons Public Accounts Committee Inquiry into supporting people with frailty outside hospitals and welcomes the committee’s recommendations.
The report makes for concerning reading, but its findings are unfortunately not surprising. Older people living with frailty continue to face significant barriers to accessing the timely age-attuned care they need. The report highlights that only 17% of patients aged 65 and over are assessed for frailty by GP services. Of those identified, just 16% received a medication review and only 18% underwent a falls risk assessment. These figures point to missed opportunities for early identification and prevention. We know that frailty is associated with a higher risk of falls, hospital admission, loss of independent and mortality. Early identification of frailty enables interventions such as medication reviews, falls assessments and personalised care planning to be implemented. These measures can help older people remain independent for longer while also reducing demand on NHS services.
The report also raises concerns about the fragmented approach to frailty across NHS England and the Department of Health and Social Care. It highlights considerable variation in provision by Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) and a lack of effective monitoring and follow-up at a national level. Current initiatives, such as the development of a Modern Service Framework for Frailty and Dementia, present an opportunity to address these issues and ensure a more consistent approach to frailty across England.
Frailty is not an inevitable part of ageing. It can be prevented, delayed, and its progression slowed. It is therefore crucial that the health system in the UK is designed to identify frailty as early as possible, enabling healthier ageing. The BGS has a range of resources to support early identification, including our Be Proactive reports, which set out the evidence and practical approaches to ensure frailty does not go undiagnosed. At the BGS, we know how to prevent, identify, and treat frailty – we urge healthcare professionals, system leaders and policymakers to make use of our expertise.
