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Health and Well-being
Systematic Approach to improving care for Frail Older patients
Project Synopsis
The SAFE project aims to explore current problems with care pathways for older people presenting to St Vincent’s University Hospital. A best practice pathway for the care of frail older people in acute hospitals is being developed. Substantial input for this comes from a patient and public involvement group who ensure that patient priorities and perspectives is driving the development of the care pathway ensuring that this model of care will achieve outcomes that are important to patients/families.
Engaged Research Partners
- Glór and Age Action
- SAGE-Support and Advocacy for Older People
- OPEN-Older Peoples Empowerment Network
- DFI- Disability Federation of Ireland
- FCI- Family Carers Ireland
- SVUH-St Vincent’s University Hospital
Engagement method or activity
A strong partnership has been developing between UCD researchers (School of Medicine and School of Nursing, Midwifery and Health Systems) and knowledge users at St Vincent’s University Hospital (SVUH), along with collaborators in the community, rehabilitation facilities and patient advocacy groups. Public and Patient Involvement (PPI) is central to this project. Our PPI partners are involved in the co-design of the improved pathways for delivery of care to frail older patients in acute hospitals, building on the acute frailty unit model, with PPI as a central tenet enabling the development of a truly patient-centred evidence-based and integrated model of care.
Project outputs & outcomes
This project is currently ongoing, with an anticipated end date of April 2019.
The outputs planned include the development of a best practice model for delivery of care to frail older patients in acute hospitals
Other outputs will be identified and developed in consultation with all partners.
Longer term anticipated areas for Impact
Health & Well being
New knowledge
University:
University College Dublin
Funding source:
Health Research Board Applied Partnership Awards (APA)
Academic Contacts:
Dr Marie Therese Cooney (SVUH and UCD) and Dr Éidín Ní Shé (UCD) https://www.nmhs.ucd.ie/clinical-engagement/safe-systematic-approach-improving-care-frail-older-patients
