110 TO IDENTIFY WHETHER THE CURRENT SEATING AVAILABLE IN AN IRISH EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT MEETS THE NEEDS OF THE OLDER POPULATION

Abstract

Abstract Background A recent campaign in the NHS highlighted that sitting in a chair can help to prevent deconditioning such as the loss of muscle strength, as well as helping to maintain a patient’s dignity (NHS improvement). The aim of this audit was to review whether the current seating available in our Emergency Department (ED) meets the needs of the older population who attend. Methods A prospective audit was completed over 6 days. It captured the number of patients who were seated in chairs in the morning and early afternoon, and if not, why. Results Total number of patients reviewed: 62. Total number of patients on a trolley: 50/62. Average CFS: 6. Average age: 83. Sex: 25 male, 37 female. • 54% not appropriate due to ongoing medical issues. Of the remaining 46%; • 17% lacked appropriate seating. • 47.8% who were appropriate to sit out did not for a number of reasons i.e. presentation surges in ED, demand outstripped capacity in terms of 1:1 care. • The remainder either declined to sit out, required specialise seating or no clear reason reported. • Only 10% of those who were in bed had no medic. Conclusion 54% of patients who remained on a trolley were medically unwell and not fit to sit out. However 47.8% of those medically fit to sit were not sitting out as per reasons discussed above. More education is needed for all staff about the importance of sitting patients out. Future plans should include staff education sessions and the development of a standard operating procedure to assist with identifying patients on arrival to the ED who could safely sit out. This could help in preventing patients’ cascade to dependency at the front door.