I am a physiotherapist presenting a poster at the irish gerontology conference. Abstract is below - do not add any additional info to this. The poster must be 101.6cm height and 57.15cm width and in PDF format. Highlight the results and include the abstract number at the top - 371 Implementing an Age Friendly Interdisciplinary Approach to Initial Assessment for Physiotherapy & Occupational Therapy in an Acute Medical Assessment Unit Background Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists on an acute medical assessment unit (AMAU) identified inefficiencies in parallel, discipline-specific assessments. This presented an opportunity to implement an interdisciplinary model aligned with Age-Friendly Health System principles. Age-friendly interdisciplinary assessments are well established in emergency, community and geriatrician-led services in the hospital but not yet explored on AMAU. The aim was to introduce an interdisciplinary initial assessment that reduced duplication and embedded the 4Ms framework, while ensuring staff confidence and comfort. Methods AMAU physiotherapists and occupational therapists collaborated to identify suitable patients, processes and learning needs. A process map and standard operating procedure were devised following observation of established interdisciplinary services. Staff completed shared education initiatives including simulation-based training. A retrospective sample of patient records (April - May 2026) was reviewed to profile demographics, referral patterns and use of 4Ms. A staff survey captured confidence, impact and areas for development. Results Forty-five patients were included. Median age was 77, with 84% over 65. 73% were living with mild-moderate frailty (CFS4-6). Falls were the primary reason for referral (58%) with 20% suitable for assessment and discharge without direct involvement from the other discipline. Of those requiring ongoing input, 50% required rehabilitation, 30% further assessment and 20% onward referral. This interdisciplinary approach saved an estimated 15 hours/month compared to previous practice. Review of 4Ms use demonstrated strong performance in mobility (100%) and mentation (87%) with lower incorporation of medication (64%) and what matters (60%) Staff feedback was positive, with themes of reduced workload and duplication, improved assessment quality, enhanced teamworking and an average confidence score of 4.3/5. Conclusion Age-friendly interdisciplinary initial assessments are feasible in AMAU. Staff feel confident working within the model, with reduced duplication, time savings and increased collaborative practice. Further work is needed to strengthen use of 4Ms, a 4M-specific documentation template may support this.
I am a physiotherapist presenting a poster at the irish gerontology conference. Abstract is below - do not add any additional info to this. The poster must be 101.6cm height and 57.15cm width and in PDF format. Highlight the results and include the abstract number at the top - 371 Implementing an Age Friendly Interdisciplinary Approach to Initial Assessment for Physiotherapy & Occupational Therapy in an Acute Medical Assessment Unit
Background
Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists on an acute medical assessment unit (AMAU) identified inefficiencies in parallel, discipline-specific assessments. This presented an opportunity to implement an interdisciplinary model aligned with Age-Friendly Health System principles. Age-friendly interdisciplinary assessments are well established in emergency, community and geriatrician-led services in the hospital but not yet explored on AMAU. The aim was to introduce an interdisciplinary initial assessment that reduced duplication and embedded the 4Ms framework, while ensuring staff confidence and comfort.
Methods
AMAU physiotherapists and occupational therapists collaborated to identify suitable patients, processes and learning needs. A process map and standard operating procedure were devised following observation of established interdisciplinary services. Staff completed shared education initiatives including simulation-based training.
A retrospective sample of patient records (April - May 2026) was reviewed to profile demographics, referral patterns and use of 4Ms.
A staff survey captured confidence, impact and areas for development.
Results
Forty-five patients were included.
Median age was 77, with 84% over 65.
73% were living with mild-moderate frailty (CFS4-6).
Falls were the primary reason for referral (58%) with 20% suitable for assessment and discharge without direct involvement from the other discipline. Of those requiring ongoing input, 50% required rehabilitation, 30% further assessment and 20% onward referral.
This interdisciplinary approach saved an estimated 15 hours/month compared to previous practice.
Review of 4Ms use demonstrated strong performance in mobility (100%) and mentation (87%) with lower incorporation of medication (64%) and what matters (60%)
Staff feedback was positive, with themes of reduced workload and duplication, improved assessment quality, enhanced teamworking and an average confidence score of 4.3/5.
Conclusion
Age-friendly interdisciplinary initial assessments are feasible in AMAU. Staff feel confident working within the model, with reduced duplication, time savings and increased collaborative practice.
Further work is needed to strengthen use of 4Ms, a 4M-specific documentation template may support this.
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This project outlines a rationale for implementing a streamlined assessment model in the AMAU, addressing duplicated assessments and aligning with the 4Ms framework. Results indicate significant benefits, including time savings and improved patient mobility and staff confidence. The conclusion emphasizes the feasibility of this collaborative approach, highlighting its potential to enhance assessment quality and suggesting the development of a specific documentation template to sustain and...