Dr David Lyon talks through ways to improve the quality of care for elderly patients and reduce costs, such as avoiding admissions through better pre-hospital support
Learning objectives
This module offers GPs advice on managing their older population more effectively and thus delivering on QP indicators, by:
- ensuring continuity of care and creating individualised care plans
- recognising polypharmacy
- engaging with carers and care homes
- providing specialist support in the community
- ensuring better end of life care
- diagnosing dementia early.
After reading this article you will be asked to record your learning points and some action points to earn a suggested 1 CPD credit. Below are some suggested questions to reflect on as you work through the module:
What characterises the care that your practice is offering its older patients at the moment?
Is your practice offering regular medication reviews for older patients?
Do you know who your older patients' carers are and how to contact them?
Are you engaging with local care homes and intermediate care to help reduce hospital admissions?
Are you in discussion with your local CCG about the quality of elderly care services available locally?
Is your practice identifying dementia at an early stage and taking appropriate action?
