Abstract
The Frailty Virtual Ward Pathway aims to optimise the care for frail patients (with a frailty score between 4 and 7) aged 65 and above. by addressing the main frailty domains falls, polypharmacy, functional decline, and new incontinence. Timely referrals can enhance patient outcomes and reduce hospital length of stay. However, awareness and utilisation of the pathway among medical teams remain unclear. This project aimed to assess the awareness and usage of the pathway on three medical wards at West Suffolk Hospital, F7, G3, and G10, and to implement a quality improvement intervention to increase appropriate referrals. A baseline review of patients’ records identified eligible patients who were not referred, while surveys assessed multidisciplinary teams' (MDTs) awareness and referral practices. Interventions included providing educational materials, conducting ward visits, and organising awareness events. Pre-intervention data showed twenty-three total referrals to the Virtual Ward Pathway, with low ward-specific uptake to Frailty Pathway (F7: 1, G3: 0, G10: 0). During the intervention, referrals increased to 35, though ward-specific referrals remained limited (F7: 4, G3: 0, G10: 1). Post-intervention, referrals increased to thirty-two, highlighting the need for sustained efforts. The project improved overall referral rates to all Virtual Ward pathways, but frailty pathway referrals showed modest gains. Ongoing education, embedding referral criteria in routine workflows, and continuous MDT engagement are essential for sustained improvement.