[3D/3D+ as a tool for rapid geriatric assessment and adequacy of the care resource at discharge from the Emergency Department]

Abstract

Objective: Assess the 3D/3D+ rapid geriatric assessment tool for the early detection of frailty, its usefulness to identify the effects of the acute process on the functional, physical, cognitive and socioenvironmental dimensions, as well as the medications that may have triggered the patient's reason for visit. Finally, assess the usefulness of 3D/3D+ together with the clinical diagnosis to adequate care resource at discharge from the emergency department (ED).

Method: Retrospective observational cohort study. Patients ≥75 years old, with clinical complexity visited at the ED were included. Basal frailty status was assessed using 3D (basal component), and the multidimensional impact of the acute process using 3D+ (current component). The main dependent variable was adequacy of the care resource at ED discharge.

Results: 278 patients were included, mean age 86 years (interquartile range: 83-90), 59.7% were women. According to the basal component (3D), 83.1% (95%CI: 78.2-87.3) presented some degree of frailty. The current component (3D+) was altered in 60.1% (95%CI: 54.1-65.9). The adequacy of ED discharge was correct in 96.4% (95%CI: 93.0-98.0). One out of 4patients was admitted to a medicine ward.

Conclusions: 3D/3D+ facilitates an optimal model of emergency care adapted to patients ≥ 75 years old treated in EDs. It stratifies the level of frailty (3D), detects the severity of patients' acute problems (3D+) and contributes to decision-making regarding the most appropriate care resource at ED discharge.

Keywords: Anciano, Fragilidad, Valoración geriátrica; Elderly; Emergency Medicine; Frailty; Geriatric assessment; Medicina de Emergencias.