A research project to develop an assessment tool for early identification of frail older people presenting at emergency departments at five Sydney hospitals.
The screening tool CriSTAL (Criteria for Screening and Triaging to Appropriate aLternative care) estimates the risk of death occurring within a few months of assessment. Anticipated benefits include opportunities for patient consultation on their values and preferences before they become unable to speak for themselves, less conflict during decision-making in a crisis, and a reduction in repeat hospital admissions and emergency department visits by people who could experience a better death in a less hectic environment. The user friendly nature of CriSTAL encourages its uptake and findings on the accuracy of the prediction are promising, demonstrating it is feasible to screen in a few minutes as part of routine care. It is anticipated CriSTAL will contribute to increase in the uptake of advance care plans by frail older people.
