Clinical Frailty Scale
A validated 9-point ordinal scale assessing frailty in older adults, ranging from 'very fit' to 'terminally ill', used to guide geriatric rehabilitation planning.
Full Definition
The Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS) was developed by Kenneth Rockwood and colleagues at Dalhousie University and is now one of the most widely used frailty assessment tools globally, particularly in geriatric rehabilitation and acute care settings. Scores range from 1 (very fit) to 9 (terminally ill), with each point accompanied by a brief descriptor and pictogram to assist clinical rating. The CFS was widely adopted during the COVID-19 pandemic as a triage tool, which broadened its use beyond geriatrics. Editors must always capitalise 'Clinical Frailty Scale' as a proper noun and render the abbreviation as CFS (not CfS or C.F.S.). They should note that the scale has undergone revisions; documents should specify the version used.
Usage
Usage note: Capitalise as 'Clinical Frailty Scale'; abbreviate as CFS. State the version (e.g. 2005, 2020 revision) when relevant to research methodology.
In Context
- "The patient was assigned a Clinical Frailty Scale score of 5, indicating mild frailty with some restriction in strenuous activities." — Geriatric rehabilitation admission assessment
- "CFS was recorded for all patients over 65 on emergency admission as part of the integrated geriatric care pathway." — Hospital policy document