Abstract
Introduction The Chandlers Ford, Eastleigh and Southern Parishes Frailty Support Team (FST) identified pockets of high referral rates within independent living facilities. It was hypothesised that this may be because independent living facilities do not have a contractual arrangement for proactive intervention, unlike care homes and nursing homes. This leaves individuals and carers unsure how, when, and where to seek support. In turn, this potentially has a high healthcare burden through unplanned access to GP’s, 999, 111 or admissions to hospital.
Methods: An independent living facility was identified, and participants were invited to have a proactive, holistic review. Medical notes were reviewed for 12 calendar months prior the project and all unplanned contacts recorded. Each participant then received a face-to-face review which identified, addressed and rectified any findings/ concerns. A follow-up review of medical notes and a telephone call to participants was completed 3 months later; 3 months after telephone review medical notes were reviewed to identify incidents of unplanned care.
Results: This project has decreased unplanned medical contacts by an average of 52% in all participants which equates to an average 6-month gross saving of £431 per person and a 6-month net saving of £383 *Net savings allowed for 3 hours of Agenda for Change 23/24 mid band 7 pay. Trend shows face to face contact has the best impact at reducing unplanned care incidents, however this does not affect the emergency needs secondary to trauma.
Conclusions: The project suggests that in independent living facilities switching from a reactive to a proactive model may allow for better holistic care, in turn reducing the burden on the local health services. It is acknowledged that this is a small sample and therefore may not be representative or generalisable and a larger study is recommended.