Validating SPICES as a Screening Tool for Frailty Risks among Hospitalized Older Adults
Table 1
Description of SPICES scoring criteria and numbers positive in the sample ().
SPICES element
Coding criteria
Number positive
Percent positive
Skin integrity
Documented presence of a pressure ulcer on admission (by a registered nurse and/or physician), wound consult ordered, or Braden risk score [8] of less than 16
72
41.4%
Problems eating
Katz Index of ADL [9]—self-feeding with partial or total help; patient identified with recent weight loss; admitting nurse made a referral for dietary consult; documented presence of a feeding tube upon admission; or patient assessed to have dysphagia at admission
79
45.4%
Incontinence
Katz Index of ADL bowel or bladder incontinence
69
39.7%
Confusion
Brief Interview for Mental Status (BIMS) questionnaire [10]; research nurse assessment of ability to answer questions; or altered mental status present on admission
73
42.0%
Evidence of falls
Admitting nurse’s rating of the Morse Falls Risk Scale, score ≥45
