The Rapid Assessment Clinic for Elders

Abstract

An audit of domiciliary visits suggested that many were inappropriate and that patients could be served better by immediate admission or urgent assessment in the day hospital. Consequently, a structured referral system was introduced with an alternative option, the 'Rapid Assessment Clinic for Elders'. This has led to a dramatic fall in home assessments. A reduction was also noted in the number of

patients whose admission was delayed by prior assessment, whilst more patients were managed at a single contact. No additional resources were required and the clinic has been well received by patients, hospital staff and general practitioners. We describe the establishment of the service and report the first 21 months' experience.