Exploring educational needs on frailty outside geriatrics: a survey of European Union of Medical Specialists' bodies

Eur Geriatr Med. 2026 May 7. doi: 10.1007/s41999-026-01469-z. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Frailty in older adults is associated with increased vulnerability, poorer outcomes, and greater healthcare utilisation. To inform future inter-specialty educational initiatives, a survey across UEMS bodies was conducted.

METHODS: An online survey was disseminated between July and November 2025 via the UEMS Coordination team to all sections, divisions, multidisciplinary joint committees, and thematic federations. Eligible respondents were specialists not certified in Geriatric Medicine who provide care to older adults (≥ 65 years).

RESULTS: Of 416 respondents, 283 were non-geriatric specialists caring for older people. They encompassed 40 specialties (40% surgical, 33% medical, 15% emergency/critical care, 12% imaging/laboratory) across 39 countries (91% EU/EEA/UK). Respondents were predominantly late career (63%), university-hospital-based (73%), and 44% were female. Most (83%) reported no formal geriatric training. While the perceived importance of frailty was high (mean 8.0 out of 10), 56% believed frailty is generally or inevitably worsening over time. Although 68% were aware of at least one validated frailty tool, 36% never used such tools, most commonly due to lack of familiarity or time constraints. Confidence in managing frailty was low (mean 4.7/10), and only 29% felt frailty is adequately addressed within their clinical setting. Nearly all respondents agreed that non-geriatric specialists should have basic competencies in frailty (90%) and 86% supported including a frailty appendix in relevant European Training Requirements.

DISCUSSION: Non-geriatric specialists recognise the clinical importance of frailty, but report limited confidence and insufficient structured training. These findings underscore the need for accessible, standardised, inter-specialty frailty education to support high-quality care for older adults.

PMID:42096137 | DOI:10.1007/s41999-026-01469-z