The short term assessment rehabilitation and reablement service (starrs); the impact on admission delay, length of stay, mortality and post-admission

Abstract

Rapid Response Services have become common in the management of the frail older person in the community. There is some evidence that they may avoid inappropriate hospital admissions and may also be economically viable. However, there is little data on the mortality of patients whilst under the care of such teams and on the length of hospital stay when admitted. Aim: We examined a cohort of nearly 5000 patients over 1 year (January 2019 to December 2019). We reviewed mortality and mean length of stay (MOS) in those who required hospital admission at Day 1 (Day 1). We then compared this with the mortality and mean length of stay (MOS) in those who required admission whilst being managed by the Rapid Response STARRS Team (after Day1). Results: There were 4895 patients, of which 743 required hospital admission. Data were available on 516 patients. 237patients were admitted on Day 1(of which 18 died) and 279 after Day 1 (of which 14 died). There was no significant difference in the mortality between the two groups or difference in MOS. In patients who were discharged, the MOS in the after Day 1 group was significantly shorter than the Day 1 group. Conclusion: There was no difference in mortality between those admitted on Day 1 when compared to those admitted after Day 1. For those admitted and discharged, there was no evidence that STARRS management had prolonged the MOSin hospital.