Frailty trajectories and transitions before and during COVID
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Frailty trajectories and transitions during the pre-pandemic and pandemic periods in England: a retrospective cohort analysis of longitudinal data
IRAS ID
326518
Contact name
Schenelle Dayna Dlima
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Manchester
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 11 months, 31 days
Research summary
Frailty is a dynamic, age-related condition in which the functioning of multiple organ systems gradually declines. Older adults with frailty have complex healthcare needs as they are more vulnerable to early deaths, hospitalisation, emergency department visits, care home transitions, and lower quality of life.
Evidence suggests that the recent COVID-19 pandemic may have worsened frailty levels in the population. In the community, mandated lockdowns and social distancing measures led to older adults engaging in less physical activity and experiencing poor mental health and psychological distress. These factors are known to worsen frailty in older adults. In hospital settings, older adults who were hospitalised with COVID-19 may be at risk of developing frailty or worsening their frailty status. The COVID-19 illness has long-lasting effects in the body after recovery. Moreover, bedrest and being in the intensive care unit (ICU) leads to hospitalised patients being immobile for long periods. This may accelerate muscle weakness and functional decline, which could worsen frailty.
To date, there are no large-scale studies exploring frailty changes before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. The primary aim of this study is to examine frailty trajectories and transitions during the pre-pandemic and pandemic periods (2012–present) in older adults in England. We propose to use data from the electronic health records of patients who are aged 50 and higher and registered with GP practices between January 2012 and a time-point with latest data available.
The findings of this study would help identify distinct groups of patients that need intervention to prevent further worsening of their frailty states. Clinicians would also benefit from understanding the trends in frailty transitions and the contributing factors. This would help design targeted frailty management plans for patients in GP practices.
REC name
London - Harrow Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
23/PR/0594
Date of REC Opinion
22 Jun 2023
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion