325 Demographics of patients presenting to the Rapid Access Frailty Assessment Unit (RAFAU) in a regional hospital in 2023

Abstract

Abstract Background The RAFAU is a five-day rapid-access, multidisciplinary service including Medical, Physiotherapy and Occupational therapy. The aim is to improve biopsychosocial outcomes and ultimately avoid hospital admission. It opened in May 2021 and an expansion of service provision has occurred since then based on ongoing service evaluations. Methods Data was manually recorded each day from an existing proforma on Excel, allowing for analysis to be done for the dates including 03/01/2023 to 22/05/2023. Results 202 attendances were recorded. Similar numbers were seen in the age groups 70–75 (20.3%), 76–80 (22.8%), 81–85 (19.3%) and 86–90 (21.8%) with smaller numbers in those <70 (9.9) and over the age of 91 (5%). 1 person’s age was undocumented. Approximately 40% of attendees were male and 60% were female. 38.6% of patients had a CFS of ≤3. 55.9% had a CFS of 4–6. 4% had a CFS of ≥7. The reasons for referral included medical review (38.6%), mobility and falls (36.1%) and cognition and memory (23.3%). GP’s referrals totalled 66.8% with other sources of referrals including the Emergency Department (ED) and Rapid Access Frailty Team based in the ED (21.8%), Hospital Consultants (7.4%) and allied health practitioners (4%). Conclusion The RAFAU provides an important and timely service to the catchment area of the regional hospital, particularly in assistance to primary care and community services. Only a small number were below the age of 70 or above the age of 90. Approximately 60% were of moderate to severe frailty. As the number of attendances increase, the service provision in RAFAU as well as community services may require further expansion.