Posters

The Effect of Infections on Telomere Dynamics: Insights from a Systematic Review Introduction Infections are linked to an increased risk of age-related diseases like cardiovascular disease and dementia. Accelerated immunological ageing, which can be measured by telomere length (TL), could be a potential underlying mechanism. However, the extent to which different infections influence TL or its attrition is not fully understood. Clarifying these relationships could guide preventive strategies to reduce age-related disease risk. Method We conducted a systematic review searching six major

Background: Multimorbidity poses major healthcare challenges which contributes to a decline in quality of life and an increased mortality risk. There exists heterogeneity on the internal associations within multimorbidity. We aimed to explore multimorbidity patterns and construct networks, delving into the relationships among diseases. Methods: The data from the health examination records of adults residing in Southern China in 2020 were utilized. Individuals aged 65 and above were included. Fifteen diseases were extracted. Hierarchical cluster analysis was performed. The multimorbidity matrix

Introduction In people over 65, 1 in 6 drink at increased-risk levels and an estimated 1 million are malnourished. However, little is known about alcohol’s harmful effect on older adults’ nutritional status. Therefore, we measured the nutrient intakes and outcomes of older adults, scoring ≥4 on the AUDIT, at index hospital admission and at 3 to 6 months afterwards. Methods This mixed-methods project investigated the nutritional status at baseline and follow-up. Nutrient intakes were measured by 24-hour dietary recalls and compared against the UK Government Reference Nutrient Intakes (RNI)

Practitioners’ Perspectives on Medicine Optimisation for Older People from Ethnic Minority Communities with Polypharmacy in Primary Care: A Realist evaluation Introduction Medicine optimisation (MO) is a person-centred approach to support the safe, effective, and appropriate use of medications, aligned with patients’ preferences and needs. MO in older people, particularly those from ethnic minority communities (EMCs), can be challenging due to cultural, communication, and systemic factors. These challenges are increased by polypharmacy, the use of multiple medications to manage multimorbidity

Introduction: In geriatric medicine department of a large tertiary care university hospital, it was observed that multidisciplinary team (MDT) working was not standardised, morning huddles were inefficient, there was a lack of inclusion of all members in MDT meetings and the meetings were too medical focused. The aim of this project was to address these concerns through a multipronged approach. Methods: An initial survey was carried out with 34 participants from all disciplines of MDT. Areas needing improvement were identified from the survey and through discussions among doctors, nurses and

Introduction: Anticholinergic medications are associated with cognitive decline and increased risk of falls. This link is dose dependent and has been shown to decrease with medication discontinuation, therefore reducing the anticholinergic burden of patients represents an opportunity to prevent patient harm and improve quality of life. This project aims to improve patients’ anticholinergic burden (ACB) scores following admission to Meadowlands Care of the Elderly Unit and presentation to the Frailty Assessment Unit. Methods: We began by conducting two simultaneous audits in the inpatient and

Introduction The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) introduced guidance on implementing frailty assessment and management in oncology services in November 2023. Frailty-informed care has been demonstrated to improve outcomes. The RCP suggests that where the management of frailty is beyond the skillset of the oncology team, links should be built with local geriatric teams to ensure holistic care, responding to individual needs. Method We set up a referral pathway within an existing geriatric clinic at a district general hospital, facilitating referrals initially from oncology colleagues, then

Background Cardiovascular complications are one of the most common causes of morbidity and mortality perioperatively during non-cardiac surgery. This risk is significantly increased in those ≥65 and those who are frail. NICE and ESC both recommend that all patients ≥65 have a pre-operative ECG to assess each patient's risk of perioperative cardiovascular complications before any intermediate or high-risk surgery. This study aims to assess the risk of perioperative cardiovascular complications in those ≥65 with abnormal ECGs. Methods We analysed data from patients attending our combined

Introduction Dementia is a major challenge to healthy ageing, and research into dementia is essential. Including people with lived experience of dementia in research leads to higher-quality, more impactful outcomes. But successful engagement can be complex and routine involvement practices may not always be inclusive for people with living with dementia. This project aimed to highlight what is needed to improve public involvement in dementia research and support researchers in engaging those with lived experience. Method We collaborated with experts by experience (people living with Dementia)

Introduction: Limited evidence exists to support the use of antidepressant and anxiolytic medications in people with dementia (PwD); these medications may contribute to potentially inappropriate prescribing and be associated with mortality. This study aimed to investigate trends in prescribing of these medications and the association between exposure to antidepressants and anxiolytics and mortality risk among PwD. Method: A nested case-control study was conducted using record linkage of five administrative population-based data sources in Northern Ireland between 2010 and 2020. Dementia cases

Introduction: In the context of frailty, there is a call to reframe the goal from “managing the condition” to “living well with the condition”. Older people with or at risk of frailty who live at home can still lead fulfilling lives, engage with their community, and maintain a good quality of life, that is, age in place well. We need reliable and valid measures capturing the various ageing-in-place experiences of older people with frailty in the community to support them better. This expert consultation survey aimed to identify potential ageing-in-place indicators for community-dwelling older

1. Introduction At Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh 412 patients were admitted with hip fracture diagnoses in 2024. As part of the orthogeriatric review, bone health medications zoledronic acid and denosumab were utilised in this cohort of patients, where appropriate, to address the significant risk of “imminent fracture” in line with NOGG guidelines. The aim was to review January to June of 2024; 118 patients were evaluated, reviewing delays in initiation of these treatments to improve services and patient care. 2. Method Utilising hospital electronic records, a sample of patients were selected

Introduction: The exponential growth of the older population on a global scale, coupled with their escalating demand for care, has significantly exacerbated the existing shortage of qualified caregivers. This situation is particularly relevant in the Chinese context due to the weakening of the filial piety tradition, which places the responsibility of care for older adults (OA) on family members. Against this backdrop, there has been a growing development of smart technologies, such as care robots, designed to assist in long-term care for OA, which serves as a potential solution to challenges

Introduction: The Irish Hip Fracture Database (IHFD) is a national clinical audit that measures standards of care for hip fracture patients across trauma sites in Ireland. Early mobilisation is considered to be one of the most influential modifiable factors for improving outcomes post hip fracture in older adults. The development of a mobility standard within the IHFD has provided a framework for physiotherapists to provide early mobilisation for hip fracture patients nationally. Method: Each of the sixteen trauma sites in Ireland enter data into the IHFD. The data is analysed by NOCA and

Introduction Our district general hospital utilises an unselected medical receiving model where generic admission clerk-ins often miss salient information vital for comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA). Recent Healthcare Improvement Scotland guidelines outlined people living with frailty that are admitted to an acute hospital are at risk of adverse outcomes. A standardised proforma for admissions to our medicine of the elderly (MOE) ward (clinical frailty score >5 required for admission) would ensure critical information was collated for more effective CGA, decision making and discharge

Older Patients’ and Caregivers’ Perceptions of and Attitudes to Deprescribing in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study T M Alenzy1,2; C Parsons1; H E Barry1; S A Alkahtani3 1.School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, UK; 2. Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Princess Nourah bint Adulrahman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; 3. Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Najran University, Najran, Saudi Arabia Introduction: Development of effective deprescribing interventions requires thorough understanding of attitudes of relevant stakeholders

Introduction: Despite clear national guidelines and government support for Fracture Liaison Services, the osteoporosis treatment gap remains significant. The Fracture Liaison Service Database (FLS-DB), a national audit run by the Royal College of Physicians (RCP), has recently expanded its reporting to highlight this issue. Method: Previously the FLS-DB benchmarked data from those trusts submitting data to the audit. From January 2025, an extra column has been added to show ‘Missed Opportunities’ that includes data from sites not participating in the FLS-DB. Using local hip fracture data for

Introduction This quality improvement project (QIP) aimed to determine whether the acute admission of patients with Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is meeting the current NICE guidelines in the appropriate prescription and timely administration of anti-parkinsonian medications (APM). The project evaluated the accuracy of prescriptions, quantified delays in medication administration, and established the causative factors for delays. Methods This QIP was a retrospective study with two cycles analysed over a one-year period. Following consent and approval, notes for eligible patients meeting the

Introduction: In winter 23/24, the NHSCT tested an anticipatory care model in residential care homes. The model included a pharmacist medication review and pharmacy education element. Method: Across four residential homes the lead care homes pharmacist completed patient-centred, medication optimisation reviews, and carried out education sessions for senior carers. The number of recommendations/interventions made by the pharmacist was calculated. The number of recommendations/interventions relating to falls prevention, was also calculated. The clinical significance of each medicine optimisation

Introduction: Evidence is contradictory on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and imposed restrictions on psychotropic medication use among people with dementia. This study examined prescribing trends of psychotropic medications (antipsychotics, antidepressants, hypnotics and anxiolytics, antiepileptics) before and after pandemic onset, among care home residents with dementia in Northern Ireland. Methods: Medication data from a population-wide prescribing database were linked with demographic and care home data from administrative records. Participants included individuals living in a care