Frailty is a multidimensional syndrome of decreased physiologic reserve that describes an older person’s vulnerability to health stressors. Frail patients have higher rates of morbidity, mortality, and hospital readmission and take longer to recover.1,2
Failure to rescue (FTR), defined as death after a complication, is an endorsed quality measure. While rescue requires both timely recognition and appropriate treatment of complications, patient-level factors are also important. Because frailty is distinct from age and comorbidities, standard risk adjustment may not be adequate.