Posters

Abstract Content - 'The number of patients being diagnosed with Heart Failure (HF) on a global scale continues to rise, placing a huge strain on the National Health Service (NHS). Caring for patients with HF comes with huge cost implications and exacerbates an already growing economic burden for healthcare systems. HF care needs to be standardised and integrated if we are to provide optimal care. Evidence shows that there is potential to improve the detection, diagnosis and management of HF care through innovative care pathways when delivered consistently through strong leadership and

Introduction This project aims to explore the diagnostic experiences of people with Parkinson’s disease (PD) and compares this with the experiences of healthcare professionals diagnosing PD, to inform areas of improvement to increase patient satisfaction. Method A quality improvement project conducted using two surveys, one aimed at clinicians, and one aimed at people with PD, which were distributed via email and in person, to allow insights to be gained from conversation. Results 31 patients and 24 professionals completed the surveys. 63% of patients were happy with the diagnosis

This service evaluation reviewed the impact of the Perioperative Care of Older People Clinic (POPS) on Anticholinergic Burden (ACB) in older surgical patients and identified areas for improvement. The study assessed 75 patients aged ≥65 years, revealing widespread anticholinergic use. Among patients on anticholinergics, 34% experienced a reduction in ACB post-POPS review. However, maintaining these changes at ≥6 months was challenging, with 50% of patients experiencing a change in their ACB score due to new prescriptions or the re-initiation of old medications. The study identified

Abstract Content - Introduction Falls are the leading cause of preventable death in older adults and can also lead to psychological consequences, including concerns about future falls. Although literature traditionally focuses on those over 65 yrs, recent research shows adults as young as 50 yrs could be at risk. Most falls occur at home and are often due to environmental hazards. Despite evidence supporting a 38% reduction in falls through home modifications, their efficacy in not fully understood. Exploring barriers and facilitators to home modifications aimed at reducing falls and concerns

People from ethnic minorities face additional challenges in hospital. These contribute to poorer progress and outcomes. We set out to develop an online resource to help hip fracture teams provide answers to questions commonly posed by people presenting with hip fracture, and to address inequalities in patients’ and their families’ access to information. Method In 2021 we surveyed all 167 hospitals in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland which look after people with hip fracture – to identify which provided printed or digital information, and which made this available in languages appropriate

Introduction: Maintaining good postural stability is considered important to prevent falls in the elderly. We evaluated factors associated with good postural stability. Methods: We evaluated 33 patients (6 males and 27 females) over 65 years old. The average age was 76.1 years old ranging 65 to 85. We measured Index of Postural Stability(IPS) using gravicoder GW-5000 manufactured by ANIMA. The IPS was advocated by Mochizuki in 2000. It was defined following this equation; IPS=log[(area of stability limit + area of postural sway)/area of postural sway). Larger IPS means better postural

A 75-year-old male presented with worsening lower limb muscle weakness and was initially treated for infection, as blood tests showed high CRP and WBC levels. However, CRP levels remained persistently elevated without improvement. Further investigations revealed a positive Mi2a antibody, suggesting myositis despite normal CK levels. MRI of the lower limb showed increased signalling in the right tibialis anterior muscle, consistent with inflammation and a biopsy confirmed the diagnosis. This case highlights an atypical presentation of myositis with normal CK levels affecting distal limbs. It

Untreated osteoporosis increases the risk of fragility fractures; a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Bisphosphonates have been shown to reduce fracture risk yet can be associated with adverse side-effects . As such, their long-term use should be monitored so that maximal benefit is obtained with minimal harm to the patient. Despite this, the management of osteoporosis in primary care remains poor. The purpose of this audit was to evaluate the long-term management of patients on bisphosphonate therapy. It assessed whether individuals were placed on appropriate treatment at

Introduction: Osteoporosis is a known consequence of stroke, associated with an increased incidence of fractures and leading to further disability. The pattern of bone loss seen in stroke patients is different from that usually seen with postmenopausal osteoporosis. It depends on the degree of paresis, gait disability, and the duration of immobilisation. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed data from 20 patients admitted to the stroke ward. All patients with stroke aged more than 65 years were included in the data. Patients who were less than 65 years old, non-stroke patients, and patients who

BACKGROUND Counter-intuitively, a systematic review identified general walking aid use to be a risk factor for falling; some research even linked falls directly to use of walking aids. Hence walking aids’ effectiveness remains suboptimal. Yet a lack of innovation, especially with regard to indoor walking frames, persists: the front-wheeled Zimmer frame has not changed in design for decades. It was the aim of this work to completely re-think and innovate indoor walking frame design for enhanced user stability and mobility. New features include: 1) swivel wheels at the front to help turning, but

Introduction: Concerns about falling (CaF) is a psychosocial concept, precipitating a spiral of increasing inactivity, social isolation and falls, and is common in those who have experienced, or are at risk of, a fall. One method of assessing CaF is the Falls Efficacy Scale International version (FES-I),with previous studies finding associations between higher FES-I scores and poor scoring on commonly used clinical assessments of functional mobility and balance (Gait speed (GS), Timed up and Go test (TUG), and Five time sit to stand (FTSS)). Using the FES-I to predict poor functional mobility

Introduction: Approximately a third of community dwelling adults over the age of 65 fall each year, with around half experiencing more than one fall per year. Currently within North Tyneside older adults who have had a fall, or are at risk of falling, may be invited to attend a specialist falls clinic; if appropriate they may be referred to Age UK North Tyneside’s Strength and Balance Class. Improving strength and balance in those at risk is an established intervention, yet adherence to programmes, and the subsequent adoption of exercise post-intervention varies. This work aims to explore why

Introduction: Inpatient falls are the most common adverse patient safety incidents in hospitals in the UK. The assessment and management following an inpatient fall is often the responsibility of the most junior doctor on call, particularly out of hours. Frequently, there are key omissions in the assessment of these patients, leading to missed diagnoses, poor management and avoidable patient harm. This study aimed to improve the knowledge and confidence of foundation doctors in the assessment and management of inpatient falls. Method: 31 patients were identified who had suffered ‘severe harm’

Introduction: A Clinical Audit was recommended by the ME following identification of potential safety signal because of possible non-compliance with guidelines on Anticoagulation in AF. The audit data collection tool was developed in discussion with the Chief Pharmacist and took account of up-to-date prescribing guidance from the Integrated Commissioning Board (ICB). Aim of the audit was to identify if, as per NICE guidelines patients had: o Risk for stroke (CHA2DS2-VASc) and bleeding (ORBIT) is assessed upon new diagnosis of AF? o Made aware of their risk assessments and involved in

Introduction Malnutrition is common in patients with hip fractures. Early post-operative ONS (oral nutritional supplements) have been shown to reduce the length of stay in hospital and improve post-operative outcomes. The aim of this audit is to determine the number of people within the Royal Victoria Hospital Fracture Unit with NOF (neck of femur) fractures who are receiving ONS; it also determined the reasons for doses missed. Additionally, it covers if baseline refeeding bloods were done as per Trust Guidelines. Method A two cycle audit was completed on the use of ONS in patients with NOF

Introduction: Falls account for 17% of emergency department (ED) attendances and cause significant morbidity and mortality in older people. An accurate falls risk assessment can identify those at risk of inpatient falls. At Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, the ‘Avoiding Falls Level of Observation Assessment Tool’ (AFLOAT) was developed to identify patients requiring higher levels of observation to prevent falls (Richardson DA. ClinMed (Lond). 2020; 20(6): 545-550). Whilst AFLOAT was commonly used for inpatients, it was rarely completed in ED. A multi-disciplinary and inter

Vitamin D deficiency is common amongst elderly patients resulting in fragility fractures. Following fragility fractures, patients require vitamin D to be checked prior to initiating bone protection, e.g zoledronic acid/ denosumab. Ideally, all patients should have their first dose of bone protection prior to being discharged from hospital to reduce the risks of fragility fracture. In this project, carried out in Trafford General Hospital (TGH) amongst patients from orthogeriatric wards, we had observed that the time taken for these results varied significantly depending on the hospital

Introduction: Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomies (TLHs) are one of the most common gynaecological surgical interventions in the ageing population. Whilst co-morbidities have huge influence on the perceived patient suitability for surgery, patient factors like age ought to be considered in the pre-operative stage. Clinicians must counsel patients on individualised risks to enable informed decisions.This audit looked to identify the impact of age on the likelihood of operative complications in TLHs, guiding specific counselling for older patients considering this procedure. Methods: Extensive

Aim Emergency laparotomy is associated with a high mortality and morbidity. Early identification of high-risk patients allows for timely involvement of other members of the multidisciplinary team, including care of the elderly (CoE) specialists. This improves the likelihood of a successful post-operative recovery. This study investigated the adherence to the NELA guidelines regarding the use of the clinical frailty score and input from the CoE team. Methods A prospective analysis was conducted, collating data on patients undergoing an emergency laparotomy in one centre in East London. Data

Background Discitis is an infection of the intervertebral disc space that can lead to paralysis, sepsis, epidural abscess, or other life-threatening complications if left untreated and may sometimes present with limited laboratory abnormalities and symptoms to clue a diagnosis. Hematogenous spreading of microorganisms from an infectious site is the most common pathophysiologic cause of vertebral discitis. Case Presentation A 68-year-old female presented to the Medical Assessment Unit (MAU) with a two-week history of increased micturition frequency, dysuria, and constant, dull lower abdominal