Posters

Introduction Magnesium is essential for regulating cardiovascular, neuromuscular and respiratory functions. Hypomagnesemia in older adults is often overlooked and insufficiently managed. Inadequate monitoring and correction of hypomagnesemia may leave old and frail patients more vulnerable to acute cognitive decline which in some cases can be preventable. This study assessed the current management of hypomagnesaemia in older adults admitted to the geriatric wards of an NHS Trust and its association with acute cognitive decline. Methods A retrospective review of old and frail patients admitted

Introduction Catheter insertion is an invasive procedure associated with significant morbidity, including urinary tract infections (UTIs), prolonged hospital stays and patient discomfort. UTI is the commonest hospital-acquired infection, accounting for 19% of cases. We conducted a clinical audit to assess patients who had a catheter during their hospital stay, focusing on the indications for catheterization and the incidence of UTIs. Based on the findings of the first audit, we introduced guidelines for out-of-hours catheter insertion and inpatient Trial Without Catheter (TWOC) protocols

Introduction As the UK population ages, the demand for effective geriatric care continues to grow. Discussions amongst resident doctors highlighted that they often feel underprepared in managing older adults with frailty and multiple comorbidities. This quality improvement project aimed to improve confidence in managing complex geriatric topics through an online teaching programme, The Comprehensive Geriatric Lecture Series, targeted towards final-year medical students and foundation doctors. Topics covered included Stroke, Mind, Falls, Medications, Frailty, Orthogeriatrics, and Matters Most

Introduction: Hospital admission exposes older adults to harms, including delirium, acute kidney injury (AKI), and mortality. Hospital at Home (HAH) services allow treatment of acute illnesses, such as infection with IV antibiotics in the home setting. Methods: We retrospectively compared patients managed in the community under HAH with those admitted to an acute frailty ward. Over a twelve-month period, we identified older adults with urinary tract infection requiring IV antibiotics. HAH patients received daily IV ceftriaxone, while inpatients were treated according to hospital guidelines and

Introduction: A fast track discharge is considered when someone has a life-limiting illness, and their condition appears to be rapidly deteriorating. The Fast Track Pathway aims to provide patients with access to NHS continuing Healthcare as quickly as possible with minimum delay. Given the nature of the needs, this time period should not usually exceed 48 hours from receipt of the completed Fast Track Pathway Tool. ICBs should ensure that they have commissioned sufficient capacity in the care system to ensure that delays in the delivery of care packages are minimal. If this discharge is

Introduction Effective communication about medication changes during hospitalisation is critical for patient understanding, satisfaction, and adherence. This service evaluation examined how older patients and their carers perceive healthcare professionals’ communication around medication changes during inpatient care. Methods A qualitative study was conducted using semi-structured interviews with 10 participants (6 older inpatients, 4 carers) across four geriatric wards. Thematic analysis was applied. Sampling was guided by information power, with data saturation achieved after 10 interviews

Introduction: Hearing aids often appear broken and whether due to the battery or earwax simple fixes can allow patients to hear. This project aimed to improve hearing impaired patients' experience and healthcare by providing support for hearing aids across Elderly Medicine wards in a large teaching hospital in Leeds. Method: A survey evaluated the proportion of patients with non-functional hearing aids, with qualitative questions to evaluate the impact. The first intervention was a toolkit showing how to check if a hearing aid worked, how to fix common issues, to go alongside spare batteries

Introduction: Individuals’ health data is routinely recorded in electronic health records in primary and secondary care. Care homes collect extensive data about residents, and many now use electronic care planning systems. Linked data could be useful in care homes, healthcare and administration, to highlight change in condition, or trends in needs. This project aimed to link individual-level data held in care homes with health data, and co-design dashboards to display this to care homes. Methods: In the DataLoch Trusted Research Environment, in partnership with NHS Lothian, the University of

Introduction Hip fractures in older adults often lead to prolonged disability and reduced quality of life. While baseline physical health is a known predictor of recovery following hip fracture, the underlying causal mechanisms remain poorly understood. There is growing interest in the influence psychosocial factors – for example, psychological resilience – have on recovery. This study examines the relationship between baseline psychological resilience and 12-month recovery of functional outcomes following hip fracture surgery in older patients. Methods A 12-month, multi-centre pilot cohort

Introduction: A multidisciplinary team (MDT) clinic was introduced at Sunderland Hospital for patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) in 2019, leading to a reduction in hospital attendance rates. The MDT clinic enables PD patients to consult with a geriatrician, a specialist pharmacist for PD, and a physiotherapist, allowing for an early assessment of mobility and side effects from PD medications. We wished to evaluate and then improve patient experience at the MDT Parkinson’s clinic. Method/ results: We evaluated patient experience by surveying 28 patients who attended the MDT Parkinson’s

Introduction: There is limited evidence regarding the optimal anaesthetic choice for neck of femur (NOF) surgery, particularly in comparing general anaesthesia (GA) versus regional anaesthesia (spinal). While some cohort studies suggest that regional anaesthesia may offer superior post-operative outcomes, including reduced delirium and shorter recovery times, the lack of clear guidelines leaves uncertainty about the best anaesthetic approach for improved patient outcomes. Methods: This audit aimed to assess the impact of GA versus spinal anaesthesia on patient outcomes in NOF surgery. A cohort

Introduction: Direct-acting oral anticoagulants (DOACs) have seen a recent increase in numbers prescribed, due to effective prevention of strokes and embolic events in non-valvular atrial fibrillation. Despite increasing use, expansive dosing criteria and strict monitoring guidelines, inappropriate doses of DOACs are being prescribed in the community. Recent studies predicted that 15%-20% of elderly patients with AF were receiving inappropriate DOAC doses, with most underdosed. Patients are thus at risk of increased bleeding if overdosed or thrombotic events if underdosed. Method: 85 patients

Title: PRN Naloxone Prescription for Patients on Opioids in Gerontology Wards at Orpington Hospital — Quality Improvement Project Team: EN Udoh; F Khan; N Vakilzadehian Introduction: Nearly half of elderly inpatients receive opioids for pain management. Due to co-morbidities and polypharmacy, these patients are at increased risk of opioid toxicity. Naloxone is the established antidote and should be prescribed alongside opioids to manage potential toxicity. Aim: To evaluate adherence to Trust guidelines for Naloxone prescription in gerontology wards. Method: Two spot audits were conducted

Introduction Lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) is the most common reason for people over 65 to undergo surgery, affecting ~10% of the community-dwelling population. Surgery for lumbar spinal stenosis has a variable outcome. We estimated the association between pre-operative patient demographics, surgical variables and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) with a clinically important change (30% change from baseline) in physical function at 6-months in a large, national registry database. Methods We used data from the British Spinal Registry (2013-2023). Anonymised data included demographics

Introduction: The Northern England Evaluation and Lipid Intensification (NEELI) guidelines recommend that for secondary prevention after stroke and transient ischemic attack (TIA), the lipid profile should be checked within 24 hours of admission and atorvastatin 80 mg should be started once daily. If the starting dose was lower than 80 mg, plans should be made for statin uptitration in three months. The aim is to evaluate adherence to NEELI guidelines on checking lipid profile and prescribing statin therapy for optimal secondary prevention after stroke or TIA. Methodology: This is a

Introduction: To synthesise the evidence available on components of reported rehabilitation interventions following pelvic fragility fracture in older adults and describe outcomes measured. Methods: A scoping review reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Scoping Review extension. A systematic search of Cochrane CENTRAL, Embase, MEDLINE and PEDro for studies of rehabilitation among patients 60 years and older with non-pathological pelvic fragility fracture, published up to May 2024. Single case studies were excluded. Screening and study

Introduction The risk of future falls in frail older adults who have fallen once remains high. Therefore, falls harm mitigation strategies are important for falls patients admitted to acute geriatric medicine care. How often Assistive Technology (AT) is offered in this regard is not known. Method A two-part Service Evaluation, Information Governance department approved. 1. Case note audit. Patients admitted to our department with a fall between 1st Sept - 30th Nov 2024. 2. 10 patient questionnaires about AT, completed during admission for a fall (May 2025). Results Audit - 112 returned cases

Introduction: Older people admitted to psychiatric hospitals are a highly vulnerable population, often with multiple comorbidities and complex medication regimens. National data estimates premature mortality of 10–20-years for people with severe mental illness, largely driven by physical health disparities. In older age psychiatry, this risk is compounded by frailty, dementia and polypharmacy. Basic physical health assessment is a cornerstone of safe, high-quality care. For older patients in psychiatric hospitals, this extends beyond routine monitoring for cardiovascular risk, metabolic side

Background ReSPECT (Recommended Summary Plan for Emergency Care and Treatment) forms are used nationally to record advanced care planning (ACP) and resuscitation decisions. The Community Care Beds (CCBs) in Leeds offer inpatient rehabilitation to older patients including a comprehensive geriatric assessment, ACP and a resuscitation discussion which is recorded on a ReSPECT form. Objective To increase the number of patients in CCB beds who have a ReSPECT form in place. Methods The medical notes of patients in 4 CCBs in Leeds on a single day were reviewed for the presence of a ReSPECT form

Introduction: DNACPR documentation is an important component of clinical practice and guides decision making in the event of a cardiac arrest. A thorough documentation reflects the rationale behind the decision and states whether patient and family are aware and in agreement. Incomplete documentation fails to justify the DNACPR decision and demonstrate effective communication. Objective: To increase compliance with the completion of DNACPR documentation ensuring that each form achieves a high standard of completion – defined as at least 80% of the form being completed. Methods: A Plan-Do-Study