Rockwood Clinical Frailty Scale

Assess frailty in elderly patients using the widely recognized Rockwood Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS), important in UK geriatric practice and clinical decision-making.

Important Disclaimer: This tool is for informational purposes only and should be used under the guidance of a healthcare professional. Frailty assessment should be conducted by qualified healthcare providers as part of a comprehensive geriatric evaluation.

Patient Assessment

Patient Age

Note: The Clinical Frailty Scale was designed for use in older adults (65+).

Select Clinical Frailty Scale Score

1 - Very Fit: Robust, active, energetic, well-motivated and fit; these people commonly exercise regularly and are among the fittest for their age

2 - Well: Without active disease but less fit than category 1; exercises or is very active occasionally

3 - Managing Well: Disease symptoms well controlled, but not regularly active beyond routine walking

4 - Vulnerable: Not dependent on others for daily help, but symptoms limit activities. Often complain of being "slowed up" or tired during the day

5 - Mildly Frail: More evident slowing, needing help with higher order ADLs (finances, transportation, heavy housework, medications). Mild frailty typically impairs shopping and walking outside alone, meal preparation, and housework

6 - Moderately Frail: Need help with all outside activities and keeping house. Inside, may have problems with stairs, need help with bathing and minimal assistance with dressing

7 - Severely Frail: Completely dependent for personal care, from whatever cause (physical or cognitive). Even so, they seem stable and not at high risk of dying (within ~6 months)

8 - Very Severely Frail: Completely dependent, approaching end of life. Typically, they could not recover even from a minor illness

9 - Terminally Ill: Approaching the end of life. This category applies to people with a life expectancy <6 months, who are not otherwise evidently frail

About the Rockwood Clinical Frailty Scale

The Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS) was developed by Dr. Kenneth Rockwood and colleagues at Dalhousie University in Canada as a tool to assess frailty in older adults. It has become widely used in the UK and around the world, particularly in geriatric practice.

Importance in UK Practice:

Recognized by the British Geriatrics Society and NICE guidelines
Used during the COVID-19 pandemic to guide clinical decision-making and resource allocation
Helps identify patients who may benefit from comprehensive geriatric assessment
Guides appropriate interventions and care planning for elderly patients
Supports shared decision-making about interventions and end-of-life care

Usage Guidelines:

The CFS should be used as part of a comprehensive clinical assessment
It is most valid for patients aged 65 years and older
Be cautious when using in patients with stable single-system disabilities (e.g., developmental disabilities)
Clinical judgment should always complement the scale's assessment

Note: This tool is intended for healthcare professionals. Clinical judgment should always be used alongside the CFS when making decisions about patient care.

Rockwood Clinical Frailty Scale

Patient Assessment

Clinical Frailty Assessment Results

Patient Age:

Frailty Score:

Category:

Clinical Considerations

About the Rockwood Clinical Frailty Scale

Importance in UK Practice:

Usage Guidelines: