As Fit as a Fiddle

Abstract Background The EDITH (emergency department in the home) team is an alternative pathway for older adults requiring emergency care. The team consists of an occupational therapist (OT) and a doctor who provide specialized geriatric care in patients' homes thus negating the need for an emergency department (ED) presentation. The patients' profile is typically frail older adults however this service can be accessed by any person over 65 years within the catchment. Methods Clinical frailty scales (CFS) are routinely completed as part of the OT assessment process. A review of the OT logbooks and electronic healthcare records was completed over an 18-month period. The average CFS was 6 however 11 patients with a CFS of 1 or 2 were identified. The health care records was analysed to identify similarities in this subset patient population group. Results It was found that none of these patients had formal supports, and none were living in residential care. The age range was 65 to 90 years old. None of these patients required an onwards referral to community services or provision of OT equipment. Presenting complaint breakdown: explained falls (2), DVT (2), Blood pressure issues (2), pain (2), catheter (1), covid (1), INR problems (1). At 3 months post EDITH review it was found that no patients had a re attendance to ED. Conclusion Patients with a low level of clinical frailty make up a very small sub set of the general EDITH patient population. These patients appear to be living independently within the community and do not require extensive OT input. Their presenting complaints appear to be predominately isolated medical events as opposed to chronic medical issues.