1649 EVALUATION OF A FRAIL-TRAUMA (“FRAIL-T”) SERVICE IN A SCOTTISH MAJOR TRAUMA CENTRE

Abstract

Background: Geriatrician assessment is associated with improved clinical outcomes for seriously injured older adults. In 2021, the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital opened a dedicated Major Trauma (MT) ward for adults with significant polytrauma. Four Geriatrician sessions were introduced per week, establishing the 'Frail-T' service. Our aim was to provide specialist review to frail trauma patients within 72 hours of admission. Method(s): All patients reviewed were prospectively added to a secure database. Patients >65 years on the MT ward were screened for frailty and reviewed if Clinical Frailty Score (CFS) >4. If medical issues arose in patients CFS 65 on the STAG database were identified; Geriatrician review was recorded in 38% (n=126). Qualitative feedback deemed the service highly accessible (88%, n=15) with themes of improvement: greater service promotion and educational input. Conclusion(s): Only a third of patients reviewed by the team were frail, reflecting requirement for medical expertise in trauma care. Cohorting polytrauma in a dedicated ward with proactive screening has improved time to Geriatrician review. Delays remain for isolated head and chest wall injuries. Improvement work will focus on greater identification of patients beyond the MT ward.