Improving quality and value in healthcare for frail older people

This article reports an important multi-centre practice-based review that identifies good practice and an ideal pathway for the healthcare of frail older people, which, if replicated nationally, could result in improved quality of care and better value for money for the NHS. Data on healthcare resource groups (HRGs) in England were examined as a marker for the management of elderly people through the healthcare system. Care pathways in several different NHS trusts were explored via staff interviews. A high variation in treatment outcomes across centres was found. Principles of best practice were identified and include: comprehensive geriatric assessment; the availability of specialist geriatric teams and wards; and shared assessment and co-ordination between care agencies.