Authors

1. Ansryan, Lianna Zaven MSN, RN-BC, CNS
2. Aronow, Harriet Udin PhD
3. Borenstein, Jeff Edward MD, MPH
4. Mena, Viola RN-BC, MSN, CNS
5. Haus, Flora MSN, RN-BC, NEA-BC
6. Palmer, Katherine PharmD
7. Chan, Ellen LCSW
8. Swanson, Jane W. PhD, RN, NEA, FAAN
9. Mass, Sharon PhD, LCSW
10. Rosen, Bradley MD, MBA
11. Braunstein, Glenn David MD
12. Burnes Bolton, Linda DrPH, RN, FAAN

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this article is to describe the Systems Addressing Frail Elder (SAFE) Care model, features of the interprofessional team and reengineered workflow, and details of the intervention.

BACKGROUND: Older inpatients are vulnerable to adverse events related to frailty. SAFE Care, an interprofessional team-based program, was developed and evaluated in a cluster randomized controlled trial (C-RCT). Results found reduced length of stay and complications. The purpose of this article is to support and encourage the replication of this innovation or to help facilitate implementation of a similar process of organizational change.

METHODS: This was a review of model features and intervention data abstracted from electronic health records.

RESULTS: Salient features of team composition, training, and workflow are presented. The C-RCT intention-to-treat sample included 792 patients, of whom 307 received the SAFE Care huddle intervention. The most frequent problem was mobility (85.7%), and most frequent recommendation was fall precautions protocol (83.1%).

CONCLUSIONS: The SAFE Care model may provide a standardized framework to approach, assess, and address the risks of hospitalized older adults.