Introduction
Working in geriatric extended care wards, occupational therapists usually come across patients with wide range of medical conditions. Bell et. al. (2016) summarized in their study that the prevalence of geriatric syndromes of hospitalized patients referred to skilled nursing facility was 90%, of which 55% got ≥3 co-existing syndromes. Labella et. Al. (2011) highlighted the importance of improving the care by screening elderly patients for the presence of common geriatric syndromes. In order to provide a better quality of care, utilization of a clinical pathway that facilitating early screening and intervention of geriatric syndrome, would enhance rehabilitation outcomes in a cost-effective way. This paper reported the development of an OT clinical practice guide that facilitating recovery and discharge of elderly patients in extended care wards.
Objectives
1. To understand and learn the different geriatric syndromes, by review of evidence, which could lead to serious complication and highly impact on patients’ recovery during hospitalization. 2. Develop a comprehensive OT clinical pathway for early identification and intervention of geriatric syndromes 3. Pilot study in 2 geri-medical wards in KH to see the severity of the geriatric symptoms of the cases 4. Enhance clinical use of the pathway by in-services training, and then followed by further comprehensive research
Methodology
Oct-Dec 2018 Literature Review Jan 2018 Finalize the clinical pathway Feb 2018 Pilot study in 5 extended care wards of KH April 2018 In-services training
Results & Outcome
The OT clinical practice pathway outlined the therapists’ clinical tasks, assessment, intervention and precaution that beginning from the admission phase, the rehabilitation phase to the final pre-discharge phase. The content was disease specific and also with emphasis on early screening and intervention of the common geriatric symptoms including, falls, pressure sores, delirium, depressive symptoms and functional decline. Liaison work to enhance multi-disciplinary input was also the focus of the clinical pathway. After the development of the clinical pathway and the pilot study, related in-services training will be conducted to all the OT colleagues in the department. The clinical pathway will be commenced to be utilized in geriatric patients of extended wards of different specialties including orthopaedic, spinal, RMD and medical geriatrics. The information collected will be as a reference for further comprehensive retrospective study.
Co-location with:
