Essex frailty care co-ordination system shortlisted for award

Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust and Mid and South Essex Integrated Care System have been shortlisted for a national award for their electronic frailty care co-ordination system, which was designed to improve personalised care for frail and elderly patients in the region.

The new system ensures that everyone involved in a patient’s care has a better understanding of their needs. The tool ensures they received personalised and joined-up end-of-life, frailty and dementia care.

The electronic frailty care co-cordination system is a data collection system and care template. It means that any health care professional providing care to a patient – including GPs, community teams, care home staff, hospice carers and emergency care practitioners – can view all care provided. This helps to avoid duplication and ensures that the care a patient receives aligns with their care choices and personal care plan.

Spencer Dinnage, operational service manager for older people’s community mental health, dementia and frailty at Essex Partnership University, said: “I’m delighted and very proud that this important work has been shortlisted for a prestigious award – it is a testament to all those who have been involved in developing and delivering the project.

“It’s a great example of health and care professionals working together to provide personalised care and improved outcomes for some of the most vulnerable patients in our communities.”

The system is already having a positive impact on patient care. There has been a reduction in incidents of patients being re-admitted to hospital following discharge. Additionally, patients are being supported to make decisions about their care and future.

Dr Sarah Zaidi, ageing well steward at Mid and South Essex ICS, said: “These tools are really helping to improve quality of care for one of the most vulnerable groups in our population. They benefit both our patients and health and care staff, enabling us to work together more effectively to focus on what matters to all of the people we serve – delivering personalised care.”

The HSJ Award is for the category of Data-Driven Transformation. Winners are set to be announced at an awards ceremony in London in November.

Earlier this year, the Essex trust and ICS commissioned the Patients Know Best platform for its patients. By selecting a single digital platform, the two Essex-based trusts can help ensure a consistent patient experience across the region.