Researching Early Detection of Deterioration in Elderly Residents (EDDIE+)
Synopsis
Why the research project is important
Over the last decade there has been a 31% increase in admissions to aged care services in Australia, and today more than 200,000 Australians call a residential aged care (RAC) facility home. Many of these residents are frail with escalating comorbidities and the priority for medical care is management rather than cure. However, this group are frequent users of hospital services, with admissions being stressful, costly and often unnecessary or preventable.
What the research seeks to do
The study is a stepped-wedge cluster randomised trial, evaluating a facility-driven hospital avoidance program in twelve Bolton Clarke RAC homes. The four core elements of the program include:
– Education and training of all nursing and care staff
– Use of diagnostic equipment for clinical assessment and monitoring in each home
– Use of decision support tools
– Empowerment of nursing and care staff via the establishment of ongoing clinical mentoring and support systems.
What are the research outcomes/ impact
The study aims to determine the effectiveness and cost-consequences of the EDDIE+ program in reducing hospital bed days and improving resident care outcomes. The study will also evaluate the process and impact of the program, looking at the barriers and facilitators within implementation.
Funding Body
National Health and Medical Research Council, Medical Research Future Fund, Keeping Australians Out of Hospital Grant (GNT 1177501)