eP211 The Effect of the Introduction of the POPS Service to the Vascular Ward in Hairmyres Hospital

Aims To improve the standard of care for the increasingly frail and co-morbid vascular surgery patient population in Hairmyres Hospital. This was by introducing a Peri-operative care of the Older Person undergoing Surgery (POPS) service. This is an evidence-based intervention which involves consultant geriatrician input to conduct complex geriatric assessments to help improve outcomes in older surgical patients. A POPS service is yet to be introduced into a vascular surgery department in Scotland. Methods The vascular department opted to sacrifice the salary of one consultant vascular surgeon in favour of the provision of daily consultant geriatrician input. FY1 surveys before and after the introduction of the service were carried out to observe the effect of the service on patient care and FY1 experiences. Data on the effect of the service on length of stay, admissions to ICU and in-phase reports will continue to be studied over time. Results When compared to FY1 experiences before the POPS service, there was shown to be an increase in FY1 support, an increase in patient safety and better management of delirium, polypharmacy and diabetes after the introduction of the POPS service. Early data shows a decrease in length of stay in over 60s which is not yet statistically significant. Conclusion The introduction of the POPS service to the vascular department in Hairmyres Hospital has improved patient safety and the standard of care. The effects of the POPS service will need to be studied further over time, but initial outcomes are very encouraging.