Development and early impact of a Dementia and Delirium Outreach Team in an acute hospital setting
Evaluation of Heidi AI Scribing Technology in Improving Efficiency and Documentation Quality in Frailty Services
Introduction: Traditional clinical documentation methods were time-consuming and prone to inconsistency within the Frailty Team at City Health Care Partnership (CHCP), affecting productivity across workstreams including Urgent Community Response (UCR) and Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA). Heidi, an AI scribe developed by Heidi Health UK, generates clinical notes and structured care plans by interpreting patient-clinician discussions, reducing administrative burden and improving note quality. Methods: York Health Economics Consortium (YHEC) conducted a mixed-methods evaluation of Heidi
Improving multidisciplinary team working: Phase 2 of a quality improvement project in a tertiary care university hospital
Introduction The Multi-disciplinary team meeting (MDM) underpins geriatric medicine. The previously-described first phase of this project addressed variations in MDM frequency and practice across Healthcare of Older People (HCOP) wards. This second phase built on those changes with the aim of improving three key areas; process, values and skills. efficiency / effectiveness of meetings (process) team-working (values) empowering of individuals (skills) quality of the documentation (skills) Methods A previous survey of MDT members on 2 HCOP wards identified areas of focus and suggestions for
Association Between Frailty and Incident Urinary Incontinence in Older Adults: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Improving Delirium Screening in Older Adults Presenting to the Emergency Assessment Unit (EAU), Horton Hospital
Introduction Delirium is a common, serious, and often under-recognised condition in older hospitalised adults. Early identification and management of reversible causes can reduce associated morbidity, mortality, length of stay, and long-term cognitive decline. The 4AT is a validated delirium screening tool recommended for acute hospital settings; however, completion rates in the Emergency Assessment Unit (EAU) were perceived to be low. This project aimed to improve delirium screening and detection in patients aged 65 years and over presenting to the EAU at Horton Hospital. Method All patients
Impact of delirium and dementia on 30-day readmission to hospital by place of residence in older adults: ORCHARD-EPR cohort
Prevalence and outcomes of physical frailty by cognitive status in older people with emergency hospitalisation in ORCHARD-EPR
Distinct Clinical Phenotypes of Long COVID: Autonomic vs Inflammatory Presentations in Younger and Older Adults.
Introduction While Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 (PASC) is a recognised global priority, clinical definitions derive largely from working-age cohorts. Older adults face high acute severity risk, yet long-term survivorship remains under-characterised. We aimed to characterise and compare clinical PASC phenotypes in older (≥65 years) versus younger (<65 years) adults, distinguishing autonomic, inflammatory and psychosocial manifestations. Method We conducted a retrospective single-centre cohort study of 336 patients attending a dedicated Long COVID clinic at The Beacon Hospital, Ireland
An overview of the Dementia UK Consultant Admiral Nurse service supporting families affected by frailty and dementia
Abstract Content : An overview of the Dementia UK Consultant Admiral Nurse service supporting families affected by frailty and dementia Introduction: Emerging and increasing frailty often goes unidentified, and families living with dementia and frailty are missing vital opportunities to receive the right support at the right time. People living with frailty are less able to adapt to stress factors such as acute illness, injury, or changes in their environment, personal or social circumstances, leading to adverse health outcomes and an earlier loss of independence. Method: We have developed a
Physical activity is reduced in UK Biobank participants that develop postural hypotension
Introduction Up to 30% of adults over 65 experience postural hypotension (PH) – a significant drop in blood pressure (BP) upon standing. PH is associated with increased risk of falls, frailty, and mortality. Using derived accelerometer data and linked healthcare records, we assessed the relationship between PH and physical activity (PA) in UK Biobank participants. Methods We used UK Biobank derived accelerometery data detailing the average time participants spent sleeping (SlA), sedentary (SeA), doing light activity (LA), or moderate & vigorous activity (MVPA). We ascertained participants with
The Discrepancy Between Perceived Fall Efficacy and Actual Physical Performance Using TUG and Chair Rise Tests
Improving the Diagnosis and Treatment of Mood Disorders in a Delirium Clinic
Introduction Evidence suggests a significant relationship between delirium and mood disorders. Pre-existing depression is a risk factor for delirium, and depressive symptoms frequently emerge as a sequela of an acute episode. Despite considerable symptom overlap, these conditions are distinct and require targeted management. This audit evaluated whether the introduction of formal mood assessment tools improves the detection and early treatment of mood disorders in a delirium follow-up setting. Methods A two-cycle clinical audit was conducted at a specialist delirium follow-up clinic. In Cycle
Systematic review and meta-analysis on the prevalence and determinants of decision regret in older people with chronic diseases
Trends in secondary prevention of hip fracture: National Hip Fracture Database (NHFD) data for England, Wales and Northern Ireland
Trends in secondary prevention of hip fracture: National Hip Fracture Database (NHFD) data for England, Wales and Northern Ireland Antony Johansen, Will Eardley and Liz Fagan Introduction Patients with a hip fracture are at ‘imminent risk’ of further fragility fractures. In 2021 the NHFD introduced a new ‘key performance indicator’ (KPI7: the proportion of people known to be on bone protection 120-days after hip fracture) specifically to address this. In 2023 the ‘Call to Action’ paper published in Age and Ageing challenged clinicians to respond by giving a first dose of intravenous
Management of patients who have “Eating and Drinking with Acknowledged Risk” decision made during hospital stay - QI
Introduction: Eating and Drinking with Acknowledged Risks is an individualised clinical decision balancing risks (may refer to aspiration, malnutrition, dehydration and choking) and benefits (quality of life, pleasure of eating). It may be applied in patients who have irreversible swallowing difficulty, with swallow reflex present where alternative means of providing nutrition are not appropriate. Method: Previous work completed in 2023 looked at cohort of patients where “Eating and Drinking with acknowledged risk” decision was made on Ageing and Complex Medicine ward over 12month period (n=22
Reducing the environmental impact of medications in frail patients on Ageing and Complex Medicine ward at WWL
Introduction: NHS England has set out an ambitious target of delivering the world’s first net zero health service and responding to climate change, improving health now and for future generations. Medicines account for around 25% of emissions from the NHS, from inhalers. anaesthetic and medical gases (5%) and emissions that are embedded in the supply chain of pharmaceuticals (20%). Reducing waste and ensuring appropriate polypharmacy are cornerstones of the NHS strategy to address this, as summarised in the Overprescribing Report. Method: The 3 aims of the project were: Improve deprescribing
Mitigating Fall Risk: Survey Findings and Suggestions from an ISAT-Driven Integrated Care Strategic Approach
Acceptability of High Intensity Functional Training in people with Parkinson's: a randomised feasibility trial protocol
Background & Rationale Parkinson’s disease prevalence is rising globally, driven by an ageing population. High intensity exercise may slow symptom progression and improve physical function, bone health, and quality of life. One way of delivering this is through High intensity functional training (HIFT) via community providers such as CrossFit and PD Warrior relieving pressure on NHS resources. Objectives To assess the acceptability, safety and feasibility of delivering HIFT to people with Parkinson’s through external providers, providing foundational information for future definitive trial
Managing Risk Factors in Patients with Mixed and Vascular Dementia
Introduction: Vascular dementia is the second most common subtype of dementia, yet perhaps the most preventable as the underlying pathology is cerebrovascular damage. Therefore, managing vascular risk factors is vital to reduce disease progression. The aim of this study was to assess the management of various risk factors contributing to vascular and mixed dementia patients of the Cardiff and Vale memory clinic. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted, collecting data from 100 patients diagnosed with mixed or vascular dementia between 2022-2024 using WCP and PARIS. Factors