Integration of Inpatient and Residential Care In-Reach Service Model and Hospital Resource Utilization: A Retrospective Audit

Abstract

Objective: In parts of Australia, Residential In-Reach (RIR) services have been implemented to treat residential aged care (RAC) residents for acute conditions in their place of residence to avoid preventable hospital presentation. Our service was initiated in 2009 and restructured in 2014. We compared acute healthcare resource utilization (RIR activity and emergency hospital presentations) by RAC residents under 2 RIR models of care. Design: Acute RAC RIR service model of care was changed from existing nurse/emergency physician-led service to nurse/geriatrician-led service and incorporate inpatient liaison nurse consultant into the team. Setting: RAC episodes and hospital presentations from..