Assessing frail patients in the emergency department

Frail, elderly patients appropriately use hospital emergency services with increasing frequency. An effective evidence-based model for evaluating such patients in the emergency department has not been developed. Nonetheless, when assessing the frail elderly we are advised to establish clear objectives appropriate to their overall situation so that a multidimensional diagnosis can be made and treatment priorities set. An evaluation of functional status is useful for planning continuity of care to be provided by the primary care team after these patients are discharged. [Emergencias 2009;21:362-369]