A3 DEFEND your older hospital patient: prevent functional disabilities

A3 DEFEND your older hospital patient: prevent functional disabilities

Format: Largely didactic but with much audience interaction and debate

The DEFENCE II study aimed to identify factors that predispose older people admitted to hospital to further functional decline. This session will present the results and describe the DEFENCE II model of screening, profiling, and intervening to prevent functional decline. We will also discuss interventions aimed at delirium on admission and debate the applicability of the DEFENCE study to other settings.

After this session you will be able to:

• Employ case-finding in acutely admitted older patients to identify those at risk for further development of functional decline
• Understand the DEFENCE model of screening, profiling, and tailored interventions to prevent hospital complications
• Have a set of practical ideas to protect older hospital patients in your own workplace
• Gain insight into prevention strategies concerning delirium, pharmacotherapy, and discharge programmes

Sophia E de Rooij, Head, Department of Geriatric Medicine; Susanne M Smorenburg, Coordinator, Patient Safety; Bianca M Buurman, PhD Student, Academic Medical Centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands