Frailty is a common clinical syndrome in older adults that may carry an increased risk for poor health outcomes including falls, hospitalisation, and mortality. Having a colonoscopy can be associated with potential adverse outcomes in frail patients. At present, however, frailty is not routinely assessed in gastroenterological clinical practice. In a prospective randomised controlled study consenting patients over 65 years at the Princess Alexandra Hospital will receive either a) personalised (tailored) approach that includes assessment of frailty and structured information provided to the consumer or b) current standard practice in regards to having a surveillance colonoscopy to determine the effects on patient satisfaction and percentage of colonoscopies avoided.
Patients aged over 65 years of age
Ability to understand the study instructions and answering questionnaires
Inability to consent or participate in the assessments (e.g. frailty assessment) that are required as part of this project.
Lack of informed consent