Long term association between frailty and survival in patients with pleural disease: a cohort study protocol

Introduction As the population ages, frailty is becoming more common and understanding how frailty impacts on patient outcomes has become an integral part of clinical care. To date, there is no evidence available on the relationship between frailty and patient outcomes in pleural disease. In this study we explore the relationship between frailty and both malignant and non-malignant pleural disease using the modified frailty index (mFI). Methods and Analysis Outpatients with pleural disease will be identified from a prospectively collected single-centre UK database and their data and notes retrospectively analysed. An mFI will be calculated for each patient and the correlation between their frailty index, final diagnosis and mortality analysed. Dissemination Study findings will be disseminated by publication in an appropriate journal and presentations at Respiratory and/or Geriatric medicine meetings.