Description
The conference session features a talk led by Anthony Gilbert and Vicki Goodwin, discussing the management of frailty in trauma and orthopedics. Anthony Gilbert, the chair of ATOCP, warmly introduces Vicki Goodwin, an associate professor at the University of Exeter, who emphasizes the importance of recognizing and understanding frailty in clinical practice. Vicki engages the audience with participatory elements, encouraging discussions about perceptions of frailty. She elaborates on frailty's clinical implications, highlighting its spectrum and how it affects the aging population's physiological reserves.
The presentation delves into the significance of frailty in both elective and trauma orthopedic patients, underscoring the alarming statistics that highlight frail individuals' increased risk of adverse outcomes. Vicki discusses assessment tools like the Rockwood Clinical Frailty Scale and the Electronic Frailty Index (EFI), explaining their relevance and distinctions. Throughout the session, she advocates for a focus on patient-centered care, suggesting that rehabilitation strategies should consider patients' unique needs and desires, particularly after significant medical events like surgery or hospitalizations.
In the latter half, the dialogue shifts to address COVID-19's impact on frailty, revealing concerns about underserved populations and the need for innovative care delivery models. Vicki and Anthony explore future priorities for rehabilitation in trauma and orthopedic care, emphasizing personalized, outcome-focused approaches. The talk concludes with an invitation for further discussion, reflecting on continuous improvements in care practices for the frail elderly.