Risk Analysis Index Frailty Score as a Predictor of Otolaryngology Surgical Outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: The Risk Analysis Index (RAI) score is a screening tool to assess patient frailty. It has been shown to be predictive of postoperative outcomes and mortality in orthopedic, urologic, and neurosurgical patient populations. We sought to evaluate the predictive ability of RAI score for surgical outcomes in an otolaryngology patient population. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. SETTING: Academic tertiary medical center. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted of adult patients undergoing otolaryngology surgery at a tertiary medical care center over 21 months. Patients were sent electronic RAI survey questionnaires via direct messaging, which was completed prior to surgery. Endpoint data were analyzed, including demographics, RAI score, and patient outcome data. Univariate analysis, ROC curves, and predictive modeling were utilized. RESULTS: A total of 517 patients responded to the RAI questionnaire, resulting in a 59.6% response rate. Mean RAI score was 21.38 ± 11.83. Higher RAI scores were associated with increased 30-day readmissions (P