Transfer of residential aged-care facility (RACF) residents to Emergency Departments (ED) is common, risky and expensive. RACF residents who present to ED are more likely to be readmitted to a hospital, have longer stays and face major risks related to hospital acquired complications.
ACE is a nurse led, protocol-guided telephone ED outreach model that has been shown to be effective in reducing hospitalisation and length of hospital stay for RACF residents. It has had limited effect in reducing presentations to ED.
This project enhances ACE by incorporating web-based interactive video assessment and consultation. Telehealth has been shown to be acceptable to staff and families, and reduce the disruption and distress associated with unnecessary transfer to hospital for residents and carers.