Frailty in primary care

Frailty is a multidimensional syndrome marked by reduced physiological reserves and increased vulnerability to stressors, often leading to adverse health outcomes. In primary care, early identification and management of frailty are essential to prevent functional decline, hospitalisations, and loss of independence. This presentation provides an overview of the Australian Frailty Network consensus statement on frailty, explores practical tools for frailty assessment, highlights evidence-based prevention and management recommendations, and emphasises the importance of a holistic, team-based approach to support older adults in maintaining quality of life.

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About the presenters

Ruth E. Hubbard, holds dual clinical and research leadership roles as Director General and Geriatric Medicine/Consultant Geriatrician at the Princess Alexandra Hospital, and Masonic Chair of Geriatric Medicine at the University of Queensland. In the last 10 years, Prof Hubbard has generated $36.9M in grant income and based on the impact of her publications, she is currently ranked fourth in a list of frailty experts worldwide and first in Australia. As Founder and Director of the Australia Frailty Network (AFN), she has established a team of consumer partners, multidisciplinary clinical academics, behavioural psychologists and statisticians answering critical questions relating to the measurement and management of frailty.

Dr Natasha Reid is a Behavioural Scientist and Senior Research Fellow at the Australian Frailty Network and the Centre for Health Services Research, University of Queensland. Natasha has a specific interest in increasing quality of life and healthy life expectancy, and works across epidemiological, intervention and dissemination projects identifying and addressing frailty in a number of settings.