GMCT Specialty Service Networks
Aged Health
ABOUT THE ACI AGED HEALTH NETWORK
Co-Chairs: Associate Professor Jacqueline Close and Ms Andrea Sneesby
Manager: Glen Pang
The Aged Health Network is a continuation of the GMCT Aged Care Network which was established in 2003 and renamed in May 2010 to more accurately reflect the breadth of specialist services provided for older people across NSW.
It is recognised that the population is ageing and that there will be an increasing need for specialist health care services for older people. Common ageing changes can lead to the development of multiplying co-morbidities, the summation of which can impact individual treatment options. Care that can encompass these complexities is provided by the specialty of geriatrics which combines the study of ageing processes and the comprehensive care of older people.
The primary role of the Aged Health Network is to improve the health of older residents of NSW through the development and support of implementation of appropriate models of care, support of clinical and patient educational opportunities and support of research that informs the health care required.
The work of the Aged Health Network supports the ACI, NSW Department of Health and individual Local Health Networks in their development of service (or strategic) plans and their implementation as it applies to older people.
CURRENT WORK PLAN PRIORITIES (JANUARY 2011)
1. SHOP: Collaborate with NSW Department of Health in the development of a NSW Integrated Services Framework for Specialist Healthcare for Older People (SHOP).
2. CHOPS: Lead a collaboration with the Clinical Excellence Commission (CEC) and General Practice NSW to undertake the Care of Hospitalised Older People Study (CHOPS) project which is funded by the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) to improve care and reduce incidence of harm for hospitalised older people who have an existing dementia or delirium (acute confusional state).
3. Avoidance of the Use of Restraint of Older People: Facilitate the publication of a Guideline for NSW Department of Health.
4. Orthogeriatric Model of Care: Publish and implement this model which consists of a Clinical Practice Guide and Summary of Evidence.
5. Collaborate with the NSW Dementia Policy Team in the implementation of the NSW Dementia Services Framework.
6. Sepsis program: Collaborate with the Clinical excellence Commission (CEC) in the Improving the Recognition and Management of Severe Infection and Sepsis program.
7. Collaborate with NSW Department of Health to develop practices for the Severe Chronic Disease Management Program (SCDMP), the Rehabilitation Clinical Resign program, and the Specialist Mental Health Services for Older People program (SMHSOP).
ACHIEVEMENTS
Orthogeriatric Model of Care
The ACI Orthogeriatric Model of Care was launched on 13 August 2010 by the NSW Parliamentary Secretary of Health during The 2010 Orthogeriatric Symposium at Liverpool Hospital, Sydney. The model consists of a Review of Orthogeriatric Services and Recommendations for Service Planning in NSW plus a Summary of Evidence and Clinical Care Guide which provide a practical evidence-based guide to the care of frail older orthopaedic patients in hospital. The resources are aimed at doctors, nurses and allied health professionals and are available for download below.
· ACI Orthogeriatric Summary of Evidence
· ACI Orthogeriatric Clinical Practice Guidelines
Orthogeriatric Seminar
The ACI and George Institute held an orthogeriatric seminar on Wed 27 April 2011. Keith Willett, National Clinical Director Trauma Care, NHS presented on “href="/resources/gmct/agedcare/pdf/fragility_fracture_nhs.pdf">Major Changes in Fragility Fracture Care in NHS England: incentivising performance”. Jacqui Close and Laura Ahmad presented on orthogeriatric care in NSW and discussed a proposal for a hip fracture database in NSW.
Care Of The Hospitalised Older Person Study(Chops)
Dementia and delirium are significant problems for DVA clients, as for all older patients, and delirium is associated with increased length of stay, higher morbidity and mortality and increased risk of nursing home placement.
The aim of this project is to develop and systematise a training, education and support program to enhance care and minimise harm to the confused older person. This will allow methodical prevention, assessment and management across wards within a selection of pilot hospitals followed by a roll out across all hospitals in NSW through collaboration with the Agency for Clinical Innovation (ACI), Clinical Excellence Commission (CEC) and GP NSW. Evaluation will use existing data sources common to all hospitals.
Caring for the Confused Older Person Forum, 3 December , 2010, Liverpool Hospital, Sydney
A forum was conducted at Liverpool Hospital to facilitate information sharing about care of the confused older person in hospital – see Caring for the Confused Older Person program and Powerpoint Presentations. There were 280 participants and evaluations were overwhelmingly positive with requests for further conferences, education sessions and teleconference linkages.
Caring for the Confused Older Person Study Launch, 1 June 2011
Click here for the presentations from this launch
· Other Publications
CONTACT
Glen Pang
Manager Aged Health Network
Tel: 02 8644 2181
Mobile: 0407 995 329
Email: Glen.Pang@aci.health.nsw.gov.au