Cultivating A Culture Of Continuous Improvement And Teamwork In An ICPOP Hub

Abstract

Abstract Background The Integrated Care for Older Person’s (ICPOP) Hub is one 3 Hubs in the healthcare region. The success of the ICPOP Hub has been the adaptability, motivation, dedication of the multi-disciplinary team (MDT) using inter-disciplinary methods to achieve best outcomes for people with frailty and complex multi-morbidity in the Community. Referrals have increased - 406 in 2023. There were 2,754 direct patient MDT contacts in 2023. Medical capacity for new patients is limited. Alternative ways of working were needed to meet increasing demand. Methods Quality improvement methodologies were employed to enhance efficiency. Existing practices were mapped, deficits highlighted. New practices were trialled in plan-do-study-act format. Results The MDT collaborated to develop structured pathways for Falls and Memory. Criteria were established for triaging referrals, assessment standards, management, post diagnostic support using national/international guidelines (Model of Care for Dementia in Ireland, World Falls Guidelines). More patients were seen via direct-to-MDT pathways and discussed at bi-weekly meetings. Direct referral pathway was instituted from the acute hospital Emergency Department (ED) Frailty Front Door Team to the Hub MDT. ‘One-stop-shop’, multiple, consecutive assessments, while comprehensive, resulted in significant patient fatigue. Moving to parallel assessment reduced appointment frequency and time in the Hub. Staff learned from other disciplines and translated knowledge/skills to tailored patient plans. Case management has prevented ED attendance, particularly for patients with delirium and/or dementia with non-cognitive symptoms. Early integration with Community/Voluntary groups was crucial. Visits from these groups promoted education and relationship building. The Community Connector role has been instrumental in linking people with wellbeing activities in their community. Challenges: Blurring boundaries between roles. Insufficient medical cover represents a barrier to timely patient assessment/management, obstacle to early hospital discharge. Demands on MDT intensify daily. Conclusion Enthusiasm, flexibility, ownership, teamwork, distributed leadership were essential in developing pathways and overcoming difficulties.