Miss Melanie Reeves1, Mr Jeremy Carr3
1Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network, Wagga Wagga, Australia , 2Wagga Wagga Campus of the Rural Clinical School, School of Medicine Sydney University of Notre Dame Australia, Wagga Wagga , 2650, 3Back On Track Physiotherapy, Corowa , Australia
The Vitality Passport is tasked with halting or reversing frailty within individuals. The program uses a multi-component approach delivered by a range of allied health therapies including dietetics, occupational therapy, and physiotherapy. This presentation details the findings of an independent evaluation of the program.
Frail individuals are at greater risk of avoidable falls, hospital admissions, and the need for institutionalised care. In the Murrumbidgee region of New South Wales, falls related hospitalisations are a significant component of hospital admissions; at a rate of 3,533 per 100,000 women and 2,587 per 100,000 men. In 2016, 19% of people in Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network were over 65 years old and by 2036, this age group is projected to grow to 44% of the population regionally.
Recent randomised controlled trials provide strong evidence that the progression of frailty can be halted or reversed through multicomponent intervention programs.
Participants of the program have access to individual exercise coaching, nutrition advice, cognitive training. In addition, eight group sessions are available to promote socialisation, exercise and health promotion content presented in a workbook resource. Eligible participants are referred to the program through general practice. The program components are delivered as face to face, telehealth and group sessions.
The University of Notre Dame Australia evaluated the program. Quantitative and qualitative measures included: Edmonton Frailty Scores at 0, 3, 6, and 12 months, participant focus groups, collection of falls calendars, patient satisfaction survey and interviews with general practice staff, allied health staff implementing the program and GPs.
Quantitative and qualitative data suggest the program has been successful in reducing or arresting frailty. There was a significant reduction in frailty as measured using EFS score. Practice staff reported that the program is useful and worthwhile and has the potential to make a considerable difference over time. Data from the falls diaries suggest a positive trend in falls reduction. Participants who responded to the patient satisfaction survey thus far agreed that they had improved quality of life (86.6%) and overall health (85.4%), better physical function (81.4%) and were less fearful of falling as a result of the program (76.9%).
Biography:
Melanie Reeves is Portfolio Manager, General Practice Initiatives, Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network. Jeremy Carr is the Director of Back On Track Physiotherapy