69 What Health Outcomes Matter to Frail Older People?

Abstract

Introduction: Te purpose of this project was to explore what health outcomes matter to frail older people. Tis would provide information that would be of use to both providers and payers of health care services to align their priorities in line with these. Frailty is an important and relevant topic in healthcare. In England 5% of people aged 60-69 have frailty. Tis rises to 65% in people aged over 90. Tere are 1.8 million people aged over 60 and 0.8 million people aged over 80 living with frailty. (English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (2016)). Tis number is due to increase. Te aims of this research were: To review the literature on health outcomes in older people including frail older people. To conduct a focus group interview with frail older people to ascertain their views on health outcomes. To disseminate and share the reviews and study findings via presentations and publications. Ethics: Ethical approval was granted by the University of Liverpool's Health and Life Sciences Research Ethics Committee (application number 4163). Methods: A systematic review of the literature was undertaken. Tereafter a focus group interview was held with six frail older people. Te participants were aged 65 years and over and had mild to moderate frailty using the Clinical Frailty Scale. Te interview recording was transcribed, and common themes identified and analysed. Results: Eight themes were identified from the focus group: - Trust in medical professionals Vulnerability of being an older person in hospital Polypharmacy and wastage of medication Discharge Planning & Co-Ordination of Care at Home Taking responsibility for your own health Nomenclature Autonomy Falls Conclusion: Tis study has identified themes that can be utilised to raise awareness among health care professionals on what matters to frail older people. Te study findings will hopefully provide an opportunity for meaningful discussions around what is needed to better meet these desired health outcomes.