Abstract
Introduction:
The number of older people living with frailty in Swansea Bay is increasing. Currently there is no dedicated rapid access multidisciplinary team (MDT) clinic for older adults living with frailty within Swansea Bay University Health Board (SBUHB). As a response to this, the team at Singleton Hospital (SBUHB) piloted a rapid access MDT clinic.
Method:
The ‘Rapid Access Clinic for the Older Person’ (RACOP) pilot ran for eight weeks across May and June 2022, delivering three clinics per week. Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment was provided via a multidisciplinary team consisting of a Consultant or Specialist Registrar in Geriatric Medicine, Advanced Nurse Practitioner, Pharmacist and Therapy Team.
Results:
41 referrals were screened and 30 patients were booked in to clinic. Of those 30, 25 were assessed. Referrals came from a variety of sources and on average, patients were seen in clinic within 5.9 days of referral. The 25 patients assessed were predominantly female (72% female and 28% male) and the ages of patients ranged from 57 to 99 years old, with the average age being 81 years old. Rockwood Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS) scores showed that 96% of patients assessed had a CFS of ≥4 and 33% had a CFS ≥6. In keeping with this pattern of frailty, all the patients were co-morbid, with 92% having more than five co-morbidities. Patients with a range of diagnoses were assessed and following assessment, only two patients required a follow up appointment. Patient experience data was collected using a validated patient experience form. All patients left positive comments and unanimously said they would recommend the service to family and friends. Staff feedback data was equally as supportive of the service.
Conclusion:
The older adult population of SBUHB would benefit from a service of this type and the patients and staff are supportive of this.