The frailty sub-item of fatigue was considered positive if either question was endorsed.
The MICD, presented as mean change, for each scale and per item on each scale is: POMS = 5.6, per item = 1.1, SCFS = 5.0, per item = 0.8, GFS = 9.7, per item = 1.0, and the single item measure of fatigue was 2.4 points.
We aim to (1) compare the performance of frailty measures [5-item scale of fatigue, resistance, ambulation, illnesses, and loss of weight) (FRAIL), Tilburg Frailty Indicator (TFI), and Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS)] in identifying frailty, using the widely adopted Frailty Index (FI) as "gold standard," and (2) compare their ability to predict negative outcomes among hospitalized older adults.
Participants initially completed the FACIT-F (Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue), a 13-item assessment of fatigue [ 12], and the COMPASS (Composite Autonomic Symptom Scale) questionnaire [ 13].
In this regard, single-item measure of fatigue intensity, such as the visual analog scale (VAS) [ 9, 12, 17, 18] and numerical rating scale (NRS) [ 19, 20], seem to be more advantageous than multiple-item measures [ 21].
The FACT-F consisted of 13 items related to fatigue: fatigue, weakness, listlessness, tiredness (four items), energy, ability to perform daily activities, limitation of social activities (three items) and need for sleep during the day.
Specifically, the items assessing feelings of nervousness and worry are characteristic of anxiety, the items assessing feelings of fatigue and insomnia are characteristic of somatic symptoms of both depression and anxiety, and the items assessing feelings of sadness and hopelessness are characteristics of depression [ 15].
The cross-information gained from items of correlated dimensions facilitates the CAT in its selection of the most informative items and estimation of fatigue with optimal precision.
The short forms completed in this study have 8 items, with the exception of fatigue which has 10 items.
The 16-item Multidimensional Assessment of Fatigue (MAF) measures four dimensions: severity, distress, degree of interference in activities of daily living, and timing.
