202 PATIENTS >65 YEARS ADMITTED WITH AN ACUTE SURGICAL PRESENTATION: REVIEW OF OUTCOME MEASURES FOLLOWING OFF-SITE GERIATRICIAN-LED REHABILITATION

Background

The most common causes for surgical admissions in our model 3 hospital are: (1) abdominal pathologies requiring conservative and/or operative management; (2) traumatic injuries leading to rib/sternal fractures; (3) Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI). With life expectancy increasing, the number of older adults undergoing intra-abdominal surgery and presenting with traumatic injuries is increasing. This cohort often experience high levels of frailty and significant morbidity and mortality due to poor physiological reserves. Further functional decline post-admission causes higher rehabilitation needs with greater risk of requiring long-term care. Care of Older Person Services are under active development in our hospital. An off-site Geriatrician-led specialist rehabilitation unit was initially established for medical patients in 2015. Access was then made available to acute surgical patients in 2021.

Methods

A cross-site review of outcomes achieved by older adults who transferred from the acute surgical ward to specialist inpatient rehab unit was completed.

Results

Twenty-two patients utilised this pathway but unfortunately only data relating to sixteen individuals was available due to the HSE cyber-attack. 56.25% were male (n=9) and 43.75% (n=7) were female. Most common diagnosis included 31.25% (n=5) new TBI; 18.75% (n=3) post-abdominal surgery and 12.5% (n=2) rib fractures. The average Length of Stay (aLOS) in rehabilitation was 27 days. On average, post-operative patients had a lengthier aLOS (48 days) while new TBI had the shortest (18.5 days). Overall, 94% (n=15) returned home with 60% (n=9) requiring home supports. 100% (n=16) demonstrated improvements in both their Barthel scores and ‘Timed Up and Go’ scores. The average Berg score improved from high falls risk on admission to independent with assistive device. There was one instance of acute readmission post discharge home.

Conclusion

Specialist Geriatrician-led rehabilitation for surgical patients has demonstrated low rates of re-admission, improved function and reduced falls risk with 94% (n=15) of patients returning home.