How can we approach preoperative frailty and related factors in patients with cancer? A scoping review

Abstract

Abstract Aim To identify factors related to preoperative frailty in patients with cancer and map the tools that measure frailty. Design A Scoping review. Methods This scoping review based on Arksey and O'Malley's framework. Articles from CINAHL, PubMed, EMBASE, and PsycINFO databases published between January 2011 and April 2021. The searched keywords were concepts related to ‘cancer’, ‘frailty’ and ‘measurement’. Results While 728 records were initially identified, 24 studies were eventually selected. Research on frailty was actively conducted between 2020 and 2021. Factors related to preoperative frailty were age (22.9%), sex (11.4%), body mass index (11.4%) and physical status indicators (54.3%). The most common result of preoperative frailty was postoperative complications (35.0%). 24 instruments were used to measure frailty. Implications for Patient Care Selecting an appropriate preoperative frailty screening tool can help improve patient postoperative treatment outcomes. Impact There are many instruments for assessing preoperative frailty, each evaluating a multi‐dimensional feature. We identified the frailty screening tools used today, organized the factors that affect frailty, and explored the impact of frailty. Identifying and organizing frailty measurement tools will enable appropriate evaluation. Reporting Method PRISMA‐ScR. Patient Contribution No patient or public contribution.

Keywords

• frailty
• measurement
• oncology nursing
• patient with cancer
• quality indicator
• surgery