Background

As cases of COVID-19 increased, clinicians required decision making tools to assess which patient might benefit most from ventilation in intensive and critical care. Guidance published by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (27 March 2020) advises clinicians to use the Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS) as part of a holistic assessment to guide decisions around referral to critical care for those aged over 65, but not those under 65 years. At present, there is little evidence about whether the CFS is valid for identifying frailty in younger populations.

Aims and objectives

To identify any evidence about the use of the CFS in intensive and critical care settings, or as a tool to aid decision making for critical care, for those aged under 65 years.

Resources and further information

• Briefing paper: Covid-19 – The use of the Clinical Frailty Scale in intensive and critical care settings (PDF).
• Webinar recording: Measuring frailty in younger populations Using CFS in ICU (YouTube).

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