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A Pottinger, S Tanner, S Saunders, R Gagliani, E Shaah, 2276 IN REACH. It’s everyone’s responsibility. Improving inpatient access to food and drink., Age and Ageing, Volume 53, Issue Supplement_3, August 2024, afae139.033, https://doi.org/10.1093/ageing/afae139.033
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Abstract
‘IN REACH’ was established, having identified a significant need to improve nutrition for cognitively and physically frail hospital inpatients, admitted to the Complex Medical Units (CMU) at the John Radcliffe Hospital. The IN REACH team includes the CMU multi-disciplinary team (MDT), representatives from patient and volunteer groups, caterers and medical illustrators.
IN REACH identified that food and drink is often unreachable by inpatients. The project’s aim is to ensure food and drink is always within patient reach, improving nutritional intake, avoiding dehydration, reducing weight loss, reducing family anxiety, promoting independence and improving health outcomes.
MDT members, patients and their families were engaged in the design. Baseline observational data included whether both food and drink were in reach and whether the patient had cognitive impairment. Interventions to be evaluated by Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) methodology include: Focussed education, presenting observational data to MDT and catering team; raising awareness at daily MDT meetings, emphasising shared responsibility. Prompting by signage, physical and digital. IN REACH Champions to be introduced. PDSA cycles 1 and 2 were completed. 3. and 4. are planned. Improved inpatient nutrition will be correlated with data on length of stay and health outcomes, monitored by repeat PDSA cycles. Improved rates of return to baseline function and independence are anticipated, by keeping food and drink, in reach.
Out of 319 inpatients, 33% had both food and drink within reach. 67% had cognitive impairment; 73% of those were unable to reach their food and drink. Following PDSA cycles 1–2, 34% of patients had food and drink within reach, a negligible change.
Most CMU patients have food and drink left out of reach. Patients with cognitive impairment are particularly at risk. Changing ward culture is challenging. Further and repeated interventions are necessary.
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