Posters for 2026 Spring Meeting

Introduction: Constipation is common amongst hospitalised older adults and is associated with increased length of stay, delirium and falls, yet bowel hygiene is often under-recognised and poorly documented. On the Ageing and Complex Medicine (ACM) ward at Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, multiple safety concerns were identified, including difficulty locating the bowel chart in the electronic record, inconsistent documentation and patients going more than five days without a bowel opening without appropriate escalation. Methods: A baseline review

Introduction Older adults with hip fractures have high mortality, loss of independence and a substantial burden of depression and anxiety, yet mood and alcohol use are rarely screened systematically in trauma pathways. We examined whether alcohol risk was associated with post-fracture psychological distress and hospital length of stay (LOS) in a Silver Trauma service, to inform an integrated screening pathway. Methods We undertook a retrospective cross-sectional review of adults aged ≥50 years admitted with hip fracture to the Bristol Royal Infirmary between January and April 2023, using

Introduction Frail older adults frequently attend the Emergency Department (ED) following falls, where radiography is often the sole reason for conveyance. Patients with a Clinical Frailty Score (CFS) >4 represent a disproportionate burden of ED attendance and hospital admission. Delivering mobile community X-ray with advanced paramedic assessment offers an innovative opportunity to prevent unnecessary ED admissions while supporting care closer to home. Method An innovative service comprising a radiographer and an advanced paramedic practitioner (APP) reviewed 999 calls and attended suitable

Introduction: Rising demand on urgent and emergency care services requires integrated models that support rapid multidisciplinary decision-making and reduce avoidable hospital conveyance. A pilot co-location multidisciplinary team (MDT), involving Ambulance, Frailty and Urgent Community Response (UCR) services, was implemented to provide senior clinical oversight and coordinated care planning for older adults living with frailty contacting emergency services. Method: A retrospective review of summary data from all co-located MDT sessions delivered during a seven-day pilot period of four-hour

Introduction Frailty Same Day Emergency Care (FSDEC) is an approach designed to provide rapid assessment, diagnosis, and treatment for older adults with frailty without requiring hospital admission. By reducing unnecessary inpatient stays, Frailty SDEC alleviates pressure on acute beds, improves patient flow, and enhances overall system efficiency. We explored the efficacy of this across 3 acute hospitals. Method A retrospective review of FSDEC activity was conducted from June 2024 for 1 year, across three sites in Surrey Heartlands ICS: ASPH, RSCH, and SaSH (which launched its service in

Introduction Hyponatraemia is a prevalent laboratory abnormality in older patients associated with falls, delirium, and prolonged hospital admissions. Despite established guidance, initial assessment is frequently incomplete, with premature endocrinology referrals made before adequate evaluation. This project aimed to improve the quality of hyponatraemia assessments, initial management, and referrals within our geriatric department. Methodology A two-cycle quality improvement project was conducted using a Plan–Do–Study–Act (PDSA) framework. Baseline audit data (Cycle 1, n=50) identified

Introduction: Evidence suggests older patients and their carers who attend urgent care settings are unaware they can self-refer to community and charity services for ongoing support. Aim: To use the domains of the Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA) to design a holistic patient resource that signposts patients, relatives and carers to different services, thereby enabling them to age well or manage changes in ability. Method: The Quality Improvement Project received Trust governance approval (Ulysses no. 8911). A literature review was undertaken to establish whether there were existing

Introduction Indwelling urinary catheterisation is common in hospitalised adults but is associated with catheter‑associated urinary tract infection, prolonged hospital stay, deconditioning and discomfort when not optimally indicated or reviewed. A two‑cycle quality improvement project in Morriston Hospital aimed to evaluate and improve the appropriateness, documentation and ongoing review of urinary catheter use to enhance patient safety.​ Method Two retrospective audit cycles were undertaken on adult inpatients with indwelling urinary catheters, using clinical notes and catheter bundles as

Abstract ID - 4412 Abstract title - Should the Clinical Frailty Score (CFS) be used to guide decision-making among Intensive Care Unit (ICU) inpatients? Abstract Author Name - Dr H-M JAMES; Professor A JOHANSEN; Dr B JONES Abstract Provenance - Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, Intensive Care Unit Should the Clinical Frailty Score (CFS) be used to guide decision-making among Intensive Care Unit (ICU) inpatients? Background When deciding on the appropriateness of ICU admission an understanding of patients’ prior dependency is just one issue to be considered, alongside their medical

Introduction Frailty is a clinical syndrome characterised by reduced physiological reserve associated with poor hospital outcomes. Limited epidemiological data exists in Middle Eastern populations, specifically the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. This study aimed to determine frailty prevalence and predictive factors among inpatients in Rizgary Hospital, Erbil, addressing a regional evidence gap. Method A cross-sectional observational study was conducted of 162 inpatients (mean age: 72.4±8.7 (82 male, 80 female)), at Rizgary Hospital between December 2024 and March 2025. Frailty was assessed using

Introduction In many older adults, frailty is due to underlying co-morbidities rather than just due ageing. Frailty was rarely mentioned in the death certificates until the Royal College of Pathologists revised the causes of death list in 2020 which suggests two terms: Frailty syndrome which should be quantified with comorbidities and Frailty of old age if the deceased was above 80. The aim of this study was to identify the trend in deaths coded as Frailty of old age in England and Wales over the last 7 years. Methods We extracted data from the Office for National Statistics. Since ICD

Introduction Social prescribing is a widely implemented tool used to support unmet non-medical needs in the community. This systematic review aimed to summarise the impact of social prescribing on a population of older adults living with frailty and/or multimorbidity. Methods This review was conducted in line with PRISMA guidelines for systematic review. Searches were completed across MEDLINE, EMBASE and PsychInfo. Social prescribing was defined as co-ordinated multi-component individualised community-based referrals via a link worker. Studies of adults age 65+ or predominantly older adults

Introduction Deprescribing in older people living with frailty is an evidence-based, structured, patient-centred process aimed at reducing or stopping medications where potential harms outweigh benefits. Evidence suggests that deprescribing is safe and feasible, reduces number of potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) in older people, without increasing adverse outcomes and leads to modest clinically meaningful benefits. Identifying PIMs is a critical step in deprescribing and Phase1 of this project aims to proactively identify and understand the size of inappropriate polypharmacy in

Introduction Frailty and falls are significant concerns for older adults, leading to reduced independence and increased healthcare needs. Medicines, particularly polypharmacy, can contribute to frailty and falls yet patient awareness of these risks remains unclear. Patient engagement is essential to inform strategies that improve knowledge and reduce the risk of medicines related harm. Methods Participants were identified by the local NHS patient engagement team and invited to participate in focus groups. Semi-structured interview templates were designed by the study team. Sessions were

Introduction Computed tomography head (CTH) scans are commonly used in the acute medical setting to detect acute intracranial pathology. CTH scan information on cerebrovascular burden and atrophy, key markers of brain frailty, could also be used to identify patients at risk of cognitive decline. In an observational study, we assessed reporting brain frailty markers in routinely acquired scans. Method Anonymised reports of CTH scans performed during or <1-year of index admission were retrieved on consecutive acute medicine patients aged >65 years admitted over six 8-week periods (2010-2018)

Introduction Falls, hospital admissions, and reduced quality of life (QoL) are common among care home residents with dementia. Polypharmacy increases these risks, particularly in those with frailty. Current models of care often lack structured medication review and pharmacist-led reviews rarely include clinical assessment. We assessed the feasibility of a prescribing pharmacist with advanced clinical skills delivering holistic structured medication review alongside acute clinical care in a care home setting. Methods Single-group before-and-after feasibility study in a Glasgow care home

Introduction The National Health Service (NHS) aims to achieve net-zero emissions by 2045. Telehealth is a potential low-carbon alternative within general practice which might help to achieve this. Despite environmental benefits, concerns remain regarding the impact on vulnerable groups who may face digital exclusion. This systematised narrative review examines how telehealth, as part of decarbonisation efforts, influences access to general practice among vulnerable populations. Methods A systematic search of Medline, Embase and Scopus was conducted using PRISMA guidelines. Eligibility

Introduction The Assessment and Rehabilitation Day Unit (ARDU) at Aintree Hospital is responsible for the safe and timely administration of treatments for osteoporosis. In the last 5 years patient numbers have increased significantly, leading to an overwhelmed service resulting in long overdue waiting lists and a burnt-out team. A Quality Improvement (QI) project was initiated to stabilise the service and reduce the overdue waiting list by 50% by October 2025. Method Using a clinical microsystem approach, the team developed a driver diagram and measurement strategy to identify priority areas

Introduction Poor oral health is associated with increased rates of hospital-acquired infections and prolonged hospital stays (1), with aspiration a major contributor of preventable morbidity and mortality (2). Recent evidence suggests that 60-80% of older inpatients have unmet oral care needs, whilst only 38% of nursing staff have had formal oral care training. An audit conducted by the SALT team at the University Hospital of Wales identified widespread poor oral hygiene and a need to upskill staff in this area. This QIP aimed to improve patient oral care, and staff confidence in oral care

Introduction Unmet needs of those living with frailty significantly contribute to hospital admissions. The Ambulatory Assessment Unit (AAU) is a high-turnover, same-day emergency care unit with 40% of patients aged ≥65. Aligned with the 10 Year Health Plan shift from sickness to prevention, this Quality Improvement (QI) project aimed to better identify patients in AAU with unmet therapy and pharmacy needs using the Edmonton Frail Scale Acute Care (EFS-AC). Methods The project received Trust governance approval (ULYSSES No.9934). Existing practice of referring to physiotherapy/pharmacy