Posters

Introduction: The older population are more likely to suffer from chronic diseases, requiring more frequent hospital admissions, therefore, in University Hospital of Wales there is a dedicated Older Persons Acute Medical Unit (OPAMU). The OPAMU, opened in 2023, admits frail patients directly from the Emergency (ED) and Acute Medicine (AM) Departments for comprehensive geriatric assessment before discharge or onward hospital stay. Main objective: To understand how our patients felt throughout different steps of their journey to the OPAMU. Secondary objective: To assess how the patient

Introduction Clinicians covering six older people’s medicine wards reported feeling burdened by requests for weekend review of patients without clear indications, reducing time for patient care. We aimed to standardise the process to streamline reviews, freeing up clinicians to deliver optimal care. Methods We developed a new electronic weekend handover process using existing capabilities within our electronic patient record. The COM-B behaviour change method was used with a focus group of clinicians including PAs, residents and consultants to identify targets to change behaviour. Fifteen

Introduction: Involvement of Geriatricians in peri-operative assessment acknowledges the altered physiology of frail patients and helps to evaluate realistic outcomes as part of patient-centred shared decision making. This is with the aim of addressing modifiable risk factors, preventing complications, preparing for a realistic recovery and ensuring that treatment options are aligned to what is important to the patient. There is data suggesting improved survival following geriatric peri-operative assessment but little analysis from the patient’s perspective; their thoughts about the shared

Introduction: Dementia and hearing conditions are both major public health concerns. Most people living with dementia also live with hearing conditions (e.g., hearing loss, vestibular disorders, hyperacusis). Furthermore, evidence suggests that hearing loss is a risk factor for the development of dementia. There is a critical need for research to explain the association between dementia and hearing conditions and to optimise assessments and interventions for this co-morbidity. This James Lind Alliance Priority Setting Partnership (JLA PSP) aimed to identify unanswered research questions about

Introduction: Deconditioning, the progressive loss of physical and functional capacity during hospital admission, is a well-recognized but often under-addressed risk factor for poor patient outcomes. It can lead to increased dependency, delayed discharge, and higher rates of hospital-associated complications. Despite its importance, barriers such as invasive lines, limited staff awareness, and entrenched ward routines often prevent patients from engaging in early mobilization. Objective: Our quality improvement project sought to evaluate whether small and simple, multidisciplinary

Introduction Fragility fractures are a frequent presentation to the acute medical take. Defined as a fracture following a fall from standing height or less[1], they represent up to 10% of acute admissions. Despite this, we identified no standardised protocol for commencing bone protection in our unit. Our project aimed to improve the management of bone health in this cohort. Methods Data was collected across an 18-week audit cycle, with 6 weeks of baseline data collected prior to any interventions. Patients with radiologically proven fractures sustained from standing height or less were

Introduction: Osteoporosis affects approximately 3.5 million individuals in the UK, with prevalence increasing with age—particularly among women over 75. Hip fractures carry a one-year mortality rate of nearly 33%, underscoring the importance of primary prevention over reactive treatment. However, many elderly patients do not proactively engage with their GP regarding bone health. Objective: This audit aimed to Identify elderly inpatients at elevated risk of osteoporotic fragility fractures using the FRAX tool Communicate these findings to their GPs to support early intervention. Methodology

Introduction Delirium is common in older inpatients and associated with cognitive decline, underlying dementia, and mortality. NICE recommends that current or resolved delirium diagnosis is communicated to general practitioners (GPs) upon discharge. A 2021–22 quality improvement project at Lister Hospital improved the delirium assessments consistently to over 95% across the Trust. However, this study found that only 25% of delirium cases were documented in discharge letters. This gap poses significant risks to patient safety, as unresolved delirium may be overlooked, and underlying dementia

Introduction Delirium is common in older inpatients and associated with cognitive decline, underlying dementia, and mortality. NICE recommends that current or resolved delirium diagnoses are communicated to general practitioners (GPs) upon discharge. A 2021–22 quality improvement project at Lister Hospital improved the delirium assessments consistently to over 95% across the Trust. However, this study found that only 25% of delirium cases were documented in discharge letters. This gap poses significant risks to patient safety, as unresolved delirium may be overlooked, and underlying dementia

Introduction: Inappropriate polypharmacy is the use of medications with no evidence-based indication, unmet treatment goals, high risk of adverse drug reactions, or when the patient is unwilling / unable to take treatment as intended. This is particularly concerning in geriatric care, due to increased risk of hospital admissions, adverse drug reactions and significant healthcare costs. To address these risks, clinicians should conduct patient-focused medication reviews. This project aimed to assess and improve polypharmacy reviews at Royal Albert Edward Infirmary (RAEI), with a focus on

Introduction Dementia is an increasing global health problem. Picture description tasks are a useful tool to assess semantic-based language deficits, which can occur during later stages of dementia. There is a paucity of research regarding culturally appropriate picture description tasks within sub-Saharan Africa. Aim Develop a culturally adapted picture description task and scoring method and evaluate its feasibility as a cognitive measure in two rural communities in the Hai district of Kilimanjaro, Tanzania. Methods An adaptation of a widely used picture description task was developed using

Introduction Multiple long-term health conditions and multimorbidity (MLTC-M) disproportionally impact older people. Literature highlights associations between polypharmacy, mobility issues, and severe mental illness and MLTC-M. Co-existence of polypharmacy, mobility issues, and severe mental illness with MLTC-M may impact on older people’s health outcomes, however the extent to which these have been explored is unclear. Aim This scoping review aimed to describe the evidence regarding interventions and outcomes associated with the intersection of polypharmacy, mobility issues, and severe

Introduction: Manchester Vascular Centre (MVC) is one of the largest Arterial Centres in the UK. It serves approximately 2 million people. Older people who are living with frailty are at increased risk of perioperative complications. Perioperative care for Older People undergoing Surgery (POPS) can reduce incidence of these complications by providing Comprehensive Geriatric Assessments (CGA) (Partridge et al 2017). In Manchester Royal Infirmary, the Older Person Assessment and Liaison (OPAL) team have been providing CGAs for older people living with frailty undergoing surgery. Manchester

Improving the Safety and Continuity of Care for Patients on Apomorphine: A Three-Cycle Quality Improvement Project Cheng Khuang Lim1; Roberta Dewar1; Fern Gibbon2;Carol Miller2 Salford Care Organisation, Northern Care Alliance Background: Delays in the administration of dopamine agonists in patients with Parkinson’s disease can lead to serious patient safety incidents, and transitions of care are a critical period during which medication errors are especially likely to occur. Introduction: Apomorphine is a potent dopamine agonist used as an adjunct therapy in the management of advanced

Introduction In our hospital, 40% of Foundation Year 1 (FY1) doctors reported a lack of confidence in geriatric medicine. To address this gap for new doctors starting in geriatrics, an FY1 Doctors Handbook for Geriatrics was developed. This need was identified during a baseline survey to understand the starting point of the quality improvement work, with the aim of increasing FY1 confidence and preparedness in geriatric medicine. Methods The handbook was created collaboratively with members of the multidisciplinary team (MDT), including outgoing FY1 doctors, registrars, consultants

Introduction Since 2019, ReSPECT forms have been used to document patient wishes and appropriate escalation of treatment in our hospital. This audit examines the quality and completeness of ReSPECT forms in Southmead Hospital across medical and surgical wards, assessing adherence to national guidance as stipulated by the Resuscitation Council UK. The aim is to identify areas for improvement in documentation practices and issues for future QIPs. Methods This was a retrospective audit done for all inpatient wards in Southmead Hospital The acute medical and surgical wards were excluded from the

Background A Quality Improvement Project (QIP) at University Hospitals Dorset involving multiple specialties (Older People's Services, General Surgery, Pain Team, Anaesthetics, Emergency Department, Radiology, Pharmacy) focused on improving care for adult patients with Chest Wall Trauma. Incidence and severity increase significantly with age (recent audits found a 12% mortality), with complications that can be life-threatening. Key to good management are early injury recognition, effective pain control, frailty assessment, and timely escalation planning. Introduction A series of deaths

Background Anticipatory medications (AMs) support symptom management in patients nearing end of life. NICE guidance recommends early, individualised prescribing with shared decision-making. At WUTH, AMs are prescribed via a Cerner PowerPlan. A 2023 quality improvement project (QIP) identified delays in prescribing and inconsistent documentation. Interventions included junior doctor and pharmacist teaching, and feedback to the palliative team. Methods A retrospective review of adult inpatient deaths during October 2024 at Arrowe Park Hospital was undertaken. Exclusions included sudden and

During the period September to December 2024 an individual GPwSI was working across specialist palliative care (0.2WTE) and acute frailty (0.6WTE) concurrently within the same Trust. To allow Specialist Palliative Care consultants to concentrate on ward/inpatient/complex cases, the GPwSI saw a variety of patients where the CNS felt a doctor was needed with unclear or undifferentiated problems. We analysed the case mix and outcomes of 38 cases seen, demonstrating that cross-speciality working has positive outcomes for doctors, patients and services and reduces acute admissions Of the 38 cases

Introduction The 2022 Geriatric Medicine curriculum mandates that trainees demonstrate competence in leadership and management (1). The NHS Long Term Plan and Clinical Leadership Framework emphasise the need to develop clinical leaders capable of driving service improvement across the system (2, 3). However, structured leadership and Quality Improvement (QI) training within higher specialty training remains limited, as demonstrated by recent national evidence (4–5). This one-day teaching programme aimed to provide targeted training aligned with curriculum and NHS priorities. Method A one-day