188 IMPROVING THE ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT OF FALLS IN OLDER PEOPLE BY THE EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT IN THE HOME

Abstract

Abstract Background Falls among older adults are the injury pattern that causes the most morbidity and mortality. Assessing and managing these in the patients’ homes is challenging; it requires a comprehensive, systematic approach. This quality Improvement Project used a Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment for older adults who have suffered fall, carried out by an Emergency Department in the Home (EDITH) practitioner in the patient’s home. Aim: To improve the evaluation and management of older people who have fallen and are attended to by the Emergency Department in the Home. Methods This OD project was carried out using the HSE People’s Needs Defining Change model. A new, streamlined version of the Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment tool was developed and introduced, and this was implemented and altered over two PDSA cycles. Results Documentation of falls improved dramatically, from a median of three out of 12 domains included to a median of 11 domains included. Users’ feedback helped the CGA evolve and was incredibly positive about the change. Conclusion This project shows that a CGA can be used successfully in patients’ own homes to assess risk factors for falling. The HSE’s People’s Needs Defining Change can be used to implement community-based projects. The community CGA tool could be explored by other areas and organisations in the future.