Patient outcome quality indicators for older persons in acute care: original development data using interRAI AC-CGA

Area of Science:

• Geriatric Medicine
• Quality Improvement Science
• Health Services Research

Background:

• Strategies exist to enhance outcomes for older adults, particularly in daily living activities during and after acute care episodes.
• This study focuses on the development of outcome-oriented quality indicators (QIs) for hospitalized frail elderly patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop outcome-oriented quality indicators (QIs) for the care of frail elderly individuals in acute care general medical wards.
• To address common geriatric syndromes and functional status in this patient population.

Main Methods:

• A systematic literature review identified existing QIs and interventions.
• Expert panels developed preliminary indicators, refined through field testing and formal voting.
• Data collection involved the interRAI Acute Care - Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (interRAI AC-CGA) and chart audits in nine Australian medical wards.

Main Results:

• Ten outcome-oriented QIs were established.
• These QIs specifically target common geriatric syndromes and functional status in hospitalized frail elderly patients.

Conclusions:

• The developed QIs provide a framework for identifying areas needing improvement in hospital care for older adults.
• Implementation of these QIs can lead to enhanced quality of care for the elderly in acute settings.