Improving patient safety for older people in acute admissions: implementation of the Frailsafe checklist in 12 hospitals across the UK

• DOI: 10.1093/ageing/afx194
• Publication Date: 2017-12-03T04:08:12Z
• Authors: Chrysanthi Papoutsi; Alan Poots; Jake Clements; Zoe Wyrko; Natalie Offord; Julie E Reed
• Keywords: Thematic Analysis; Acute care

checklists are increasingly proposed as a means to enhance safety and quality of care. However, their use has been met with variable levels success. The Frailsafe project focused on introducing checklist the aim increase completion key clinical assessments facilitate communication for care older patients in acute admissions.to examine checklist, including potential contribute improved safety, reliability care.110 qualitative interviews group discussions healthcare professionals other specialties, 172 h ethnographic observation 12 UK hospitals reporting high-level process data (completion relevant frailty assessments). Qualitative analysis followed thematic theory-driven approach.through hospital teams identified limitations existing (e.g. absence delirium protocols) practices unnecessary catheter use). This contributed just 24.0% sampled having received all across domains this population duration (1,687/7,021 fully completed). Staff perceptions experiences using varied significantly, primarily driven by extent which aims improvement aligned local service priorities pre-existing team communications styles.the highlighted assessment motivated review routine practices. Further work is needed understand whether how can be embedded complex, multidisciplinary