geriatrics

Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS)

9-level clinical tool for assessing frailty in older adults. Based on clinical judgement integrating mobility, energy, physical activity, and function. Score 1 = very fit; score 9 = terminally ill. Widely used for clinical decision-making.

Select the CFS level that best describes the patient's baseline (2 weeks before the acute illness or hospitalisation)*

Score interpretation

Not Frail 1–4

CFS 1–4 — not frail; managing well to very mild concerns only

→ Standard care; preventive health advice; healthy ageing promotion; if CFS 3–4, identify and address modifiable factors (exercise, nutrition, social engagement); pre-habilitation if major surgery planned

Mild-Moderate Frailty 5–6

CFS 5–6 — mild to moderate frailty

→ Comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA); physiotherapy, OT; medication review; falls assessment; nutritional review; social care input; frailty intervention programme; advance care planning discussion; careful consideration of major interventional treatments

Severe Frailty / Terminal 7–9

CFS 7–9 — severe frailty or terminally ill

→ Comprehensive geriatric assessment; MDT with palliative care involvement; goals of care discussion; advance care planning and DNACPR consideration; comfort-focused care; consider whether interventions align with patient's goals and values; family meeting; senior clinical decision-making involvement

Interpretation bands for the Clinical Frailty Scale. Apply clinical judgement and local guidance.

References

Rockwood K et al. A global clinical measure of fitness and frailty in elderly people. CMAJ. 2005;173(5):489–495.

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

Calculators

Drugs

Pathways

Decision support only — verify against a current formulary, NICE, or your local guideline before clinical use.

Score interpretation

References

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