Posters for 2025 Spring Meeting

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

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis is commonly administered to patients across many hospital settings; however, it can be more challenging to address in frailty patients. These patients are more likely to have contraindications to anticoagulation and be “delayed discharges” (medically fit for discharge and at baseline mobility), at which point VTE prophylaxis may not be indicated. Method: This quality improvement project was carried out in the acute geriatric ward at St John’s Hospital. With the aim to improve VTE prophylaxis (appropriately prescribed and deprescribed when delayed

Introduction Despite the growing evidence from North America and Europe suggesting a decreasing trend in the incidence of dementia globally, the number of people affected by dementia is estimated to have increased by 117% (The Lancet Public Health, e105 - e125, 2019). This can be attributed to an ageing population, increased longevity, increased duration of the disease, and improved diagnosis. The aim of our study was to identify the mortality trend in AD over the last 10 years. Methods Data was collected from the Office of the National Statistics (England and Wales). The number of deaths from

Introduction: Physical activity and social connectedness play an important role in healthy ageing. Access to facilities such as libraries, parks, and community centres can facilitate physical activity, social interaction, and community building. Little is known about how older adults use places for physical or social activities. This study aimed to explore the places mid-to-older adults go to, and why they choose to engage or not engage in physical and/or social activities in particular places. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with community-dwelling adults aged 55-75 years

Introduction: Age friendly communities aim to create inclusive social and physical environments that facilitate older people to age actively, enjoy good health and continue participating fully in society. The built environment can profoundly influence older adults’ health and wellbeing. This study aimed to explore mid-to-older adults’ perceptions of the age-friendliness of their communities and how they defined localness. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted remotely and in-person between September 2023 and March 2024 with community-dwelling mid-to-older aged adults (n=22; 65.0 ±