Intermediate care rapid assessment support service: an evaluation

This study evaluated a rapid assessment support service (RASS) in an inner city location. The evaluation focus was provided by the two main objectives of the service, i.e. to reduce the number of unnecessary emergency admissions for people over 65 years to acute hospitals and to support the assessment of people over 65 years in their own homes. A case study design was employed and methods included documentary analysis of patients' discharge summaries and/or notes, patient/carer diaries and patient/carer storytelling. The most common reasons for referral, and goals identified following assessment, were mobility/falls prevention and hygiene/activities of living. The key themes identified concerning the assessment process were partnership working, promoting patient independence relief for carers, integration of health and social care assessment, effective use of health-care professionals' time, integration with other services, satisfaction with the service and areas of dissatisfaction. Despite the methodological and practical limitations of this evaluation some of the early successes of this intermediate care service have been identified.