The below information is from http://www.healthcareimprovementscotland.org/our_work/standards_and_guidelines/stnds/opah_standards.aspx

Care of older people in hospital standards

Everyone using healthcare services in Scotland is entitled to the same level of care regardless of their age, however, it is recognised that older people are admitted more often to hospital, and can face problems not experienced by other user groups.  

We have developed standards to support staff and ensure the highest standards for the care of older people in hospital presenting with an acute episode, wherever healthcare is delivered. 

These standards supersede the 2002 Clinical standards for older people in acute care.

Downloads

• Care of older people in hospital standards: June 2015 (PDF, 1113K)
• Care of older people in hospital standards - consultation feedback report: June 2015 (PDF, 2037K)

Standards scope

The revised standards support acute episodes of care of older people in hospital. The scope focuses on initial assessment after admission and on more complex journeys of care (rehabilitation, care transitions and discharge planning). The standards have been developed in recognition of the integration of health and social care services.

The standards are equally applicable to all patients using NHS services in Scotland with regard to protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010, including age.

Older people are the focus of these standards. However, we sought not to provide a definitive age cut-off point; treatment and care will be determined by a range of considerations, including functionality. It was not felt appropriate to state that these standards applied to all people aged over 65 or 75 years of age. Each patient will be assessed based on their individual needs and preferences, and not age alone. NHS boards will be asked to demonstrate processes for access to assessment, treatment and care, for example, comprehensive geriatric assessment and falls prevention, although in recognition of health inequalities across Scotland, this may vary by NHS board.

As a consequence, the standards should be reviewed pragmatically by service providers: not every criterion will apply to all older people in hospital.

Summary of standards

Standard 1: Older people in hospital have the opportunity and are enabled to discuss their needs and preferences, including the people they wish to be involved in their care.

Standard 2: Older people in hospital will be treated with dignity and privacy, particularly during communication, physical examination and activities of daily living.

Standard 3: Older people in hospital are involved in decisions about their care and treatment.

Standard 4: Older people have an initial assessment on admission to hospital, which identifies: • their current health needs and any predisposing conditions which may heighten the risk of healthcare-associated harm, and • where care and treatment can most appropriately be provided.

Standard 5: Older people presenting with frailty syndromes have prompt access to a comprehensive geriatric assessment and management by a specialist team.

Standard 6: Pharmaceutical care contributes to the safe provision of care for older people in hospital.

Standard 7: Older people in hospital have their cognitive status assessed and documented.

Standard 8: Older people in hospital experiencing an episode of delirium are assessed, treated and managed appropriately.

Standard 9: Older people in hospital with a confirmed or suspected diagnosis of dementia receive high quality care.

Standard 10: Older people in hospital with a confirmed or suspected diagnosis of depression receive care and have appropriate management and interventions put in place to minimise decline and contribute to quicker recovery.

Standard 11: Older people in hospital are assessed for their risk of falls within 24 hours of admission, and have appropriate measures put in place to reduce that risk.

Standard 12: Older people in hospital have access to rehabilitation services that are timely, accessible and person-centred.

Standard 13: Effective discharge planning is a continual process and starts as soon after admission as possible, or before admission for planned admissions. Communication, including transfer of information between healthcare and social care professionals, is essential to a seamless process of transition.

Standard 14: Older people in hospital are supported during periods of transition or delays between care environments through co-ordinated, person-centred and multi-agency planning.

Standard 15: Older people in hospital are cared for in the right place at the right time.

Standard 16: Older people in hospital are cared for by knowledgeable and skilled staff, with care provided at a safe staffing level.

Published Date: 9 June 2015

The above information is from http://www.healthcareimprovementscotland.org/our_work/standards_and_guidelines/stnds/opah_standards.aspx