The InterACT (Intervention for Appropriate Care & Treatment) study

Synopsis

Why the research project is important

The end-of-life phase for older Australians is becoming an increasingly medicalised experience, with more than half of Australian deaths now occurring in hospital. Challenges involved in caring for this elderly patient population in acute care settings include how to limit non-beneficial treatments (that are estimated to cost the national health system $A153.1 million annually).

What the research seeks to do

The InterACT study aims to promote appropriate care and treatment decisions and pathways for this patient population in three major Queensland hospitals. Specifically, through an audit and feedback method, it will increase clinicians’ awareness of their older patients’ risk profile. We expect to improve the capacity of clinicians to choose alternative treatments for these vulnerable patients and to increase institutional support for better end-of-life care.

What are the research outcomes/ impact

The primary outcome being measured is the proportion of patients having one or more ICU admissions. Other outcomes include changes to the length of hospital stay (earlier discharge), time to hospital re-admission, time to first documented clinician-led care review, time to care directive measures and palliative care referral, and medical emergency calls use. The use and cost of healthcare resources and the implementation process will also be evaluated.