Abstract
Introduction: Sarcopenia is common in hospitalised older people and is associated with unfavourable health consequences. Identification of sarcopenia risk with the offer of resistance exercise are key to improving outcomes and recommended in clinical practice guidelines.
Previously, there was no sarcopenia testing on Older People’s Medicine (OPM) wards highlighting a need for local improvement. This project seeks to translate and implement best practice to determine the possibility for physiotherapy staff working in OPM to offer a sarcopenia intervention as part of discharge planning. Improving sarcopenia care can help an ageing population maintain health and independence.
Project aim: Within 3 months, to achieve a 50% increase in the number of patients offered sarcopenia assessment.
Methods: Using the ‘Plan-Do-Study-Act’ approach, a sarcopenia assessment and therapy intervention was developed and introduced as part of the discharge process on an OPM ward. Measures: The weekly number of patients with a documented offer for sarcopenia assessment was collected over 13 weeks and evaluated on a run chart. Cohort data were also recorded and described using descriptive statistics.
Results: At baseline, 0 patients were offered sarcopenia assessment, this improved to 59/87 (68%). The mean age was 82 years (range 66-97) and 53 (90%) consented to be tested for sarcopenia; grip strength was measured in 51 (96%) and standardised 5*sit-to-stand in 5 (9%), with the latter typically not measured without upper limb support. There was a high prevalence of probable sarcopenia, (49 [92%]); 47 (96%) of those engaged with the exercise plan offered.
Conclusions: Physiotherapy staff can identify sarcopenia and offer therapy, as part of discharge planning of older people from hospital. Resources are necessary for sustainable and scalable application. Implementation could help older people to recondition after hospitalisation and improve clinical outcomes, benefiting patients and the healthcare system.