new approach to detect frailty A team of researchers led by the Kolling’s Professor Sarah Hilmer has developed a valuable resource to identify frail and vulnerable people in hospital, in an important step towards optimising their care. Frail older adults have a higher risk of experiencing adverse outcomes in hospital such as falls, confusion and malnutrition, and many have longer hospital stays. Professor Hilmer said more than 26,000 people in Northern Sydney are frail, representing a quarter of the population over 70. “Fortunately, frailty can be managed, and in some cases reversed if detected early and provided with the appropriate care,” she said. The frailty tool developed by our team uses existing data from hospital electronic medical records, and does not require clinical staff to fill-out additional forms. Steps are now being taken to automate the process within the medical records system. “The tool can be used to measure the Australian College of Emergency Medicine – as well as a mum of two - will keep Clare busy, but she said she was looking forward to the challenge. Clare will hold the position of president- elect for one year, before stepping in to the position of college president for a two- year term. Dr Skinner said: “I am grateful to have received the endorsement of my colleagues, to represent them and the interests of our wonderful specialty of emergency medicine. “The COVID-19 pandemic has reinforced just how important the work of emergency clinicians is, and I am committed to being a strong advocate for our members and trainees and the communities we serve across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand.”
Sarita Lo and Professor Sarah Hilmer
prevalence of frailty amongst patients in our hospitals, and this will help ensure that models of care meet their needs. “The patient’s frailty could also be communicated to their general practitioner on discharge to guide their ongoing care in the community. “This important new resource will help with early recognition and appropriate management, leading to better health outcomes and a better quality of life when people go home.” Sarita Lo, the research pharmacist who helped develop the tool said it will help ensure we have adequate support to care for frail older people in hospital, whether it be geriatric medicine expertise, specialist nursing, physiotherapy, a medication review or nutrition advice. Clare was recently seconded to work in the Ministry of Health advising on the health system’s response to COVID-19. Clare has held various positions at the college, most recently the Deputy Chair of the Council of Advocacy, Practice and Partnerships, and Chair of the College’s Mental Health Working Group. She also serves as a member of the College’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee and Health System Reform Committee, and is a Section Executive member of the College’s Advancing Women in Emergency Section. “I am determined to continue building on the college’s significant efforts and progress in relation to engagement and inclusion; workforce and work practice reform; and health system improvements,” Clare said. “We must continue to advance our important work on mental health, aged care, improved access and outcomes for indigenous peoples, and equitable resourcing of rural and regional emergency care.”
Hornsby ED Director’s prestigious appointment Hornsby Hospital’s Emergency Director Dr Clare Skinner (pictured on the front cover) has been appointed the president of the peak body for emergency medicine in Australia and New Zealand. Juggling her role as head of ED at Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Hospital and leading the
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