Frailty Assessment Practices Among Members of the Society of Trauma Nurses: An Exploratory Survey.

BACKGROUND

Frailty is an established determinant of adverse outcomes among injured older adults; however, integration into trauma workflows remains variable and national implementation data are limited.

OBJECTIVE

To describe frailty screening practices and perceptions among trauma professionals affiliated with the Society of Trauma Nurses.

METHODS

This exploratory, descriptive, cross-sectional survey was conducted from November 12, 2025, to January 12, 2026, among trauma professionals at adult US trauma centers. A 14-item, investigator-developed instrument was distributed via electronic mail through the Society of Trauma Nurses membership network. Participation was voluntary and anonymous; survey completion constituted informed consent. Distribution through an open network without a defined sampling frame precluded calculation of a formal response rate.

RESULTS

Of 149 surveys initiated, 142 were eligible after excluding 7 responses with missing verification data. Frailty familiarity was reported by 112 of 142 respondents (78.9%); however, only 44 of 142 (31.0%) reported routine use of a standardized screening tool. Frailty scores were used to initiate specialty consultations by 37 of 142 (26.1%) and to inform clinical practice guideline decisions by 25 of 142 (17.6%). Perceived institutional benefit was common: 83 of 142 (58.5%) reported frailty quantification would improve workflow efficiency, and 99 of 142 (69.7%) indicated it would support Trauma Quality Improvement Program geriatric best-practice guideline compliance.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite high awareness, standardized frailty screening remains inconsistently implemented across US trauma centers. Findings are hypothesis-generating and underscore the need for structured integration strategies and outcomes-based research.