Hospital presentations with diabetic ketoacidosis: A retrospective review.

BACKGROUND: Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a significant source of preventable episodes of care and cost. This study aimed to describe the demographic and clinical characteristics of people with type 1 diabetes (T1D) presenting to the Emergency Department (ED) with DKA in an area of socio-economic deprivation in metropolitan Queensland, Australia, and to describe factors associated with hospital admission and re-presentation in this population. METHODS: This was a retrospective descriptive analysis of routine healthcare record data for January 2015-December 2019. People with T1D were identified through hospital discharge codes. RESULTS: More than half (n = 165) the estimated local T1D population (n = 317) experienced an index ED presentation for DKA; mean±SD age at ED presentation was 31.1 + /- 19.3 years, 126 (76.4%) were aged ≥ 16 years and 20 (12.1%) were newly diagnosed. Index DKA presentation was significantly associated with female sex (p = 0.04) but no other demographic or geographic variables. More than half the presentations (n = 92, 55.8%) occurred outside regular business hours. Twenty-three representations occurred within 90 days, associated with older age (p = 0.045) and lower residential socio-economic score (p = 0.02). CONCLUSION: Findings highlight the frequent problem of DKA and the importance of socio-economic influences. This flags the need and opportunity to improve support to people with T1D to promote diabetes self-care.

"I didn't feel like I could trust her and that felt really risky": a phenomenographic exploration of how Australian Midwives describe intrapartum risk.

OBJECTIVE: Concepts of intrapartum risk are not well explored in the Australian context. In response to an increasing focus on risk in maternity care, we sought to obtain insight into what Australian midwives conceptualised as intrapartum risk. DESIGN: The research was conducted using a phenomenographic approach. Following ethical approval, in-depth semi-structured interviews were used to determine the qualitatively different ways midwives conceptualise intrapartum risk. SETTING: This project was undertaken across different midwifery practice settings in Australia. PARTICIPANTS: Australian midwives (n=14) with expertise in caring for women in the intrapartum period volunteered to participate in the study. FINDINGS: When discussing their experience of intrapartum risk, midwives focused on the external horizon of the woman as the risk, that included the internal horizons of being labelled as clinically high risk, working relationships within transdisciplinary risk and institutional risk. Risks were orientated toward the woman as well as to the midwives. KEY CONCLUSIONS: The midwives in this study conceptualised that intrapartum risk was associated with the woman including being labelled as high risk in addition to certain challenges within the midwife-woman relationship, particularly if there was a lack of reciprocal trust. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: This study supports current evidence that improved collaborative professional relationships are integral to safety in maternity care. It reinforces continuity of midwifery care as important, and particularly as a way of mitigating intrapartum risk. Further research is required to inform what challenges experienced in the midwife-woman relationship contribute to concepts of risk.

The enigma: Decision-making to transfer residents to the emergency department; communication and care delivery between emergency department staff and residential aged care facilities' nurses.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the experience of nurses involved in decision-making to transfer residents from a residential aged care facility (RACF) to their local hospital emergency department. This paper reports on the findings of the second phase of a two-phase study. METHODS: Qualitative semi-structured interviews with 19 aged care nurses were conducted. Interviews were audio-taped and transcribed verbatim, and a thematic analysis was carried out. RESULTS: The analysis revealed five major themes that influenced decision-making in relation to the transfer of a resident from the residential aged care facility to the emergency department: conflict with key stakeholders; knowledge and experience; policy and process; stakeholder perception; and recognition and support. CONCLUSIONS: Robust outreach programs, support from other health-care professionals, and improving interdisciplinary understanding and communication between aged care nurses, paramedics and the emergency department would be advantageous to ensure effective care delivery and decision-making.

Optimising emergency department and acute care for people experiencing mental health problems: a nominal group study.

Objective The aim of this study was to identify potential model of care approaches and systems processes for people presenting to acute healthcare settings with mental health problems, including mental illnesses. Methods Five (consensus) nominal group technique sessions were conducted in 2019 with a purposive sample of stakeholders from health, police, ambulance and consumer agencies (n = 21). Sessions were recorded, transcribed and analysed for thematic content. Results Potential model of care approaches and systems processes for people with mental health problems in the emergency department include: a skilled collaborative approach to care; consumer-focused service; knowledge improvement; early assessment; the development of models, systems and processes; and the built environment. In the broader acute care setting, the themes of formal care, linking of services, enhancing informal and innovative care options, improving information sharing and enhancing training and education were identified. Conclusions Coherent and multifaceted approaches to the provision of care to people with mental health problems and diagnosed mental illnesses who are requiring emergency care include the linking and sharing of systems and information, changing the built environment and exploring new models of service delivery. What is known about the topic? There is considerable evidence of interventions used in the emergency department and acute healthcare settings for this vulnerable group of people with mental health problems and diagnosed mental illnesses; however, the evidence for appropriate model of care approaches and systems processes is limited. What does this paper add? For people with mental health problems in emergency departments and for people with diagnosed mental illnesses in acute care settings, targeted directions to further support treatment include the linking and sharing of systems and information, changing the built environment and exploring new models of service delivery. What are the implications for practitioners? Planning changes to services for mental health clients with acute problems needs to incorporate clinicians, health service planners, architects and a range of emergency services personnel.

Involuntary Patient Assessment in Australia: A Mental Health or Public Health Response?

Involuntary assessment relates to detaining and transporting a person at risk of harming themselves or others, and without their consent, to hospital for examination and treatment. State and Territory statutory authorities generally allow police, paramedics and/or health practitioners to initiate involuntary assessment. Because of the stigma attached to mental illness, and to protect people from harming themselves or others in broader circumstances than mental illness alone, the Queensland government changed involuntary assessment powers. Instead of mental health legislation governing involuntary assessment in Queensland, this is now a public health function. Despite the best intentions, the public health legislation does not address some of the practical challenges of involuntary assessment for health practitioners. This article explores the evolution of involuntary assessment powers in Australia and considers the impacts of it becoming a public health power in Queensland.

Diabetic ketoacidosis presentations in a low socio-economic area: are services suitable?

BACKGROUND: Diabetic ketoacidosis causes a significant number of hospitalisations worldwide, with rates tending to increase with remoteness and socioeconomic disadvantage. Our study aimed to explore healthcare professionals' perceptions of factors affecting presentation of people with type 1 diabetes in a low socioeconomic area of Queensland, Australia. METHODS: This was a qualitative study. Individual semi-structured face-to-face or telephone interviews were completed with patients with type 1 diabetes who had presented in diabetic ketoacidosis, and healthcare professionals who have experience in related care. Data were analysed using Gibbs's framework of thematic analysis. RESULTS: Four patients with type 1 diabetes and 18 healthcare professionals were interviewed. Restricted access was identified as a factor contributing to diabetic ketoacidosis and delayed presentation, with ketone testing supplies, continuous glucose monitoring technology and transport considered barriers. Many of these factors were arguably preventable. Opportunities to improve the care available to patients with type 1 diabetes were detailed, with particularly strong support for dedicated out of hours telephone help lines for adults with type 1 diabetes. CONCLUSIONS: Gaps in support for patient self-care to avoid diabetic ketoacidosis presentations and prevent late presentation of diabetic ketoacidosis revealed by this study require service reconfiguration to support care delivery. Until change is made, people with type 1 diabetes will continue to make both avoidable and delayed, acutely unwell, presentations to Emergency Departments.

The development of a modified comprehensive geriatric assessment for use in the emergency department using a RAND/UCLA appropriateness method.

BACKGROUND: The universal screening and comprehensive assessment of older persons presenting to the emergency department is considered useful, yet is difficult to embed. A number of assessment instruments exist however they are not widely used and there is a lack of agreement between clinicians as to which tools are best suited to the emergency department. The aim of this study was to develop a modified comprehensive geriatric assessment using consensus methodology for use by the multidisciplinary team in the emergency department. METHOD: The modified comprehensive geriatric assessment was formulated using the RAND/UCLA appropriateness methodology incorporating consensus opinion from an expert group of clinicians and the best scientific evidence available. A series of pre and post survey and expert group meetings were held with expert multidisciplinary clinicians. Emphasis was placed on a pragmatic approach to the development of a document which reflected consensus opinion. RESULTS: Between nine and 15 expert group members participated in the stages of the process. A tiered approach incorporating different aspects of screening and/or assessments was considered optimal to reflect the stages of decision-making in the emergency department process. CONCLUSION: A unique approach to the screening and assessment of the frail older person was developed using consensus methodology to develop a modified comprehensive geriatric assessment for use in the emergency department. Associated actions and interventions are an important next step, with pilot site testing.

A structure and process evaluation of the Geriatric Emergency Department Intervention model.

BACKGROUND: The positive effect of the Geriatric Emergency Department Intervention (GEDI) model, on the outcomes of frail older adults, is established. This study aimed to describe and evaluate the structures and processes required for the effective delivery of the GEDI model to assist in its potential translation into emergency departments in Australia and overseas. METHODS: This was a descriptive qualitative study. Twenty-four semi-structured interviews were conducted with emergency department staff and GEDI doctors and nurses from a regional hospital in Queensland, Australia. An a priori framework guided interview questions and analysis. RESULTS: Structures required for successful model deployment included having an emergency department physician champion and nurses with gerontology experience, adequate funding, and geriatric specific resources. Processes identified as fundamental to the GEDI model included having a targeted approach to assessment, a patient-centred approach to care, and staff with inter-facility, intra-facility and inter-personal communication skills. CONCLUSIONS: The GEDI model addresses the specific care needs of our aging population. For optimal performance of the model, key structures and processes require identification and acknowledgement. Research involving qualitative methodology is vital for successful translation and integration of emergency department models of care.

Understanding nurses perspectives of acuity in the process of emergency mental health triage: a qualitative study.

Background: Post deinstitutionalisation, mental health mainstreaming has led to substantial increases in presentations to Emergency Departments (EDs). The assessment process requires the ED triage nurse to undertake a rapid client assessment, assign a clinically appropriate triage score, and then refer the client to a mental health clinician. The initial assessment is important, and a number of factors influence the process of triage, referral and response including an understanding of mental health presentation acuity. Aim: To understand the factors that influence the ED triage assessment, referral and clinical response of clients with a mental illness. Methods: An ethnographic methodology underpinned the research design. ED triage nurses and mental health triage nurses who worked in a regional hospital provided insights through interviews and observations. The study was also informed by institutional policies and procedures regarding triage. Transcribed in-depth interviews, field notes and memos were analysed using an inductive thematic process. Findings: Mental health triage nurses and ED triage nurses concur that triage is an important part of the assessing process for a person who presents to the ED with a mental health problem. Timely and clinically accurate assessment, followed by referral and response is strongly influenced by the user knowledge of the mental health triage scale, and comprehension of mental health acuity. The conflicting understandings between the two professional nursing groups, called professionally cultured orientations, further impact this process. Conclusion: Professionally cultured orientation to mental health triage and acuity comprehension influence the process of emergency mental health triage and therefore may affect optimal client outcomes. Further research into ED triage design, ED triage education, and a shared understanding of acuity is called for.

Effect of the Geriatric Emergency Department Intervention on outcomes of care for residents of aged care facilities: A non-randomised trial.

OBJECTIVE: As the population of Australia ages, EDs will experience an increasing frequency of presentations of older adults from residential aged care facilities (RACFs). These presentations are often complex and time consuming in the chaotic and potentially hazardous ED environment. The Geriatric Emergency Department Intervention (GEDI) model was developed to optimise the care of frail older adults, especially RACF residents, in the ED. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the GEDI model on the primary outcomes of disposition (admission, discharge or death) and ED length of stay for residents of RACFs, presenting to an ED in regional Queensland, Australia. METHODS: GEDI is a nurse-led, physician-championed, innovative model delivered by advanced practice nurses with expertise in gerontology. This quasi-experimental pragmatic study compared outcomes for RACF residents who presented to a regional Queensland ED during three time periods: pre-GEDI, interim GEDI and post-GEDI implementation of the GEDI model. Outcomes included disposition, ED length of stay, ED re-presentation and mortality. RESULTS: A significant increase in the likelihood of discharge from ED (hazard ratio 1.15, 95% confidence interval 1.05-1.26) and reductions in ED length of stay (hazard ratio 1.49, 95% confidence interval 1.24-1.78) were evident for RACF residents following the implementation of the GEDI intervention. There were no differences in mortality, ED re-presentation or in-hospital length of stay between the three time periods. CONCLUSION: There is a paucity of evidence to support the implementation of nurse-led teams in EDs designed to target older adults living in RACFs. The GEDI model was effective in reducing ED length of stay while increasing the likelihood of safe discharge for RACF residents.

Understanding registered nurse decision-making, communication and care delivery between emergency departments and residential aged care facilities: A research protocol.

OBJECTIVES: Nursing staff in residential aged care facilities (RACF)s often make decisions about the transfer of residents to the emergency department (ED). This paper describes the protocol of a study that aims to understand decision-making process utilised by RACF registered nurses (RNs) and to explore the perceptions of RNs about the decision and communication process between RACF and ED. METHODS: The proposed mixed-method study will survey and interview RACF RNs to understand their decision to transfer a resident and collect information about older people referred to the ED. Data collection will involve telephone survey, ED information system (EDIS) data and semistructured interviews. RESULTS: The project outcomes will provide an understanding of existing ED service provision, communication between facilities and the reasons for transfer of older person to ED. This may inform redesign in communication processes between the ED and local RACFs and outreach care from the ED to RACFs.

Mental health presentations to the emergency department: A perspective on the involvement of social support networks.

The involvement of families, carers and significant others (i.e. social support networks) has a positive corollary for a person experiencing mental health problems. Accordingly, in Australia involvement of social support networks within mental health services is endorsed in national health policy and service guidelines. Despite the endorsement, this is yet to be fully realised in all areas that provide mental health services, including emergency departments. Social support networks are integral in the provision of mental health consumers' care. Supporting the involvement of social support networks in the emergency department can provide healthcare services with opportunities for enhanced and cost-effective care, contributing to improved outcomes for consumers. An overview of some of the barriers and facilitators of social support network involvement is provided. The intention of this paper is to encourage reflection and dialogue on this important area of mental health service provision and support the evolution of a new paradigm of research into social support network involvement in the emergency department.

Review article: Interventions for people presenting to emergency departments with a mental health problem: A systematic scoping review.

The number of people presenting to EDs with mental health problems is increasing. To enhance and promote the delivery of safe and efficient healthcare to this group, there is a need to identify evidence-based, best-practice models of care. This scoping review aims to identify and evaluate current research on interventions commenced or delivered in the ED for people presenting with a mental health problem. A systematic search of eight databases using search terms including emergency department, mental health, psyc* and interventions, with additional reference chaining, was undertaken. For included studies, level of evidence was assessed using the NHMRC research guidelines and existing knowledge was synthesised to map key concepts and identify current research gaps. A total of 277 papers met the inclusion criteria. These were grouped thematically into seven domains based on primary intervention type: pharmacological (n = 43), psychological/behavioural (n = 25), triage/assessment/screening (n = 28), educational/informational (n = 12), case management (n = 28), referral/follow up (n = 36) and mixed interventions (n = 105). There was large heterogeneity observed as to the level of evidence within each intervention group. The interventions varied widely from pharmacological to behavioural. Interventions were focused on either staff, patient or institutional process domains. Few interventions focused on multiple domains (n = 64) and/or included the patient's family (n = 1). The effectiveness of interventions varied. There is considerable, yet disconnected, evidence around ED interventions to support people with mental health problems. A lack of integrated, multifaceted, person-centred interventions is an important barrier to providing effective care for this vulnerable population who present to the ED.

The predictive validity of the interRAI ED screener for predicting re-presentation within 28 days for older adults at a regional hospital emergency department.

BACKGROUND: The rapid screening of older adults in the Emergency Department (ED) at risk of adverse events is considered useful. The aim of this study was to evaluate the predictive validity of the interRAI ED screener for re-presentation to the ED within 28 days. METHOD: A prospective cohort study with convenience sampling of 687 adults aged 70 years or older, and eligible for discharge, was conducted. The interRAI ED screener was utilised by specialist nurses with gerontology expertise. We reviewed electronic medical databases at 28 days for re-presentation data. Area under the receiver operating curve (AUROC) characteristics was computed to determine tool accuracy. RESULTS: The interRAI ED screener demonstrated an AUROC of 0.55 and a P value of 0.09. The overall re-presentation rate within 28 days to the ED was 19.5%; and of re-presentations the majority scored low risk using the interRAI ED screener. CONCLUSION: When administered by specialised nurses in the ED, the interRAI ED screener demonstrated poor discriminatory ability to predict 28-day re-presentation to the ED of older adults. Whilst the interRAI ED screener was not helpful in identifying those at risk of re-presentation, the results reinforced the need for all older adults to be assessed more comprehensively than through superficial screening.

Factors influencing clinical decision making used by mental health nurses to provide provisional diagnosis: A scoping review.

Medical diagnosis has traditionally been the role of medical officers. However, mental health nurses working in crisis/emergency settings within Australia are expected to provide a provisional diagnosis postassessment of a consumer. There is limited literature and understanding how mental health nurses develop a provisional diagnosis. In this scoping review, we aimed to first identify and describe the clinical decision-making processes used by mental health nurses across a variety of clinical settings. Second, we sought to explore the factors influencing mental health nurse's diagnostic practice in a variety of settings. Literature was searched using CINAHL (EBSCOhost), PubMed, and ProQuest. Peer-reviewed literature published between 2007 and 2017 was used for this scoping review. Two major themes were identified: clinical decision making (CDM) in mental health nursing and diagnostic practice in nursing. A combination of clinician, environmental, and patient factors were found to have influenced CDM. Furthermore, mental health nurses rely heavily on tacit knowledge when making clinical decisions. Little is known about the use of diagnostic practice in mental health nursing in Australia; however, the limited literature revealed an overlap between the factors which influence CDM and diagnostic practice, respectively. Further research is needed into the use of diagnostic practice in mental health nursing to develop frameworks to assist with CDM pertaining to application of provisional diagnosis by mental health nurses working in assessment environments.

The Geriatric Emergency Department Intervention model of care: a pragmatic trial.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate a Geriatric Emergency Department Intervention (GEDI) model of service delivery for adults aged 70 years and older. METHODS: A pragmatic trial of the GEDI model using a pre-post design. GEDI is a nurse-led, physician-championed, Emergency Department (ED) intervention; developed to improve the care of frail older adults in the ED. The nurses had gerontology experience and education and provided targeted geriatric assessment and streamlining of care. The final format included 2.4 full time equivalent nurses working 7 days from 0700 h to 1730 h (1530 h at weekends). There were three implementations periods: pre-implementation (2012); a developmental phase from January 2013 to August 2015; and full implementation from September 2015 to August 2016. The outcomes measured were disposition (discharged home, admitted or died); ED length of stay; hospital length of stay; all cause in-hospital mortality within 28 days; time to ED re-presentation up to 28 days post-discharge; in-hospital costs. The setting was a tertiary hospital ED, with 385 beds, in Queensland, Australia. Approximately 53,000 patients presented to the ED annually with 20% aged 70 years and older. All patients over the age 70 who presented to the ED between January 2012 and August 2016 (n = 44,983) were included in the trial. RESULTS: Older persons who presented to the ED when the GEDI team were working had increased likelihoods of discharge (Hazard ratio (HR) = 1.19; 95% CI: 1.13-1.24) and reduced ED length of stay (HR = 1.42; 95% CI: 1.33-1.52) compared with those who presented when GEDI were not working. There was no increase in the risk of mortality (HR = 1.01; 95% CI = 0.23-4.43) or risk of same cause re-presentation to 28 days (HR = 1.21; 95% CI: 0.99-1.49). The GEDI service resulted in average cost savings per ED presentation of $35 [95% CI, $21, $49] and savings of $1469 [95% CI, $1105, $1834] per hospital admission. CONCLUSIONS: Implementation of a nurse-led physician-championed model of ED care, focused on frail older adults, reduced ED length of stay, hospital admission and if admitted, hospital length of stay and cost, without increasing mortality or same cause re-presentation. These increases were sustained over time and after the initial implementation team had changed roles. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Australian Clinical Trials Registration Number ACTRN12615001157561 - retrospectively registered on 29/10/2015. Data were retrieved via retrospective access to clinical information systems. First data access was on 1/7/2015.

Nurse-led multidisciplinary initiatives to improve outcomes and reduce hospital admissions for older adults: The Care coordination through Emergency Department, Residential Aged Care and Primary Health Collaboration project.

OBJECTIVES: This article describes the Care coordination through Emergency Department, Residential Aged Care and Primary Health Collaboration (CEDRiC) project. METHODS: CEDRiC is designed to improve the health outcomes for older people with an acute illness. It attempts this via enhanced primary care in residential aged care facilities, focused and streamlined care in the emergency department and enhanced intersectoral communication and referral. RESULTS: Implementing this approach has the potential to decrease inappropriate hospital admissions while improving care for older people in residential aged care and community settings. CONCLUSION: This article discusses an innovative way of caring for older adults in an ageing population utilising the existing evidence. A formal evaluation is currently underway.

The use of functional and cognitive assessment in the emergency department to inform decision making: A scoping review.

BACKGROUND: The use of functional and/or cognitive assessment in the emergency department (ED) to inform decision making in the complex older adult is considered important, yet not routinely administered. METHOD: Electronic databases were searched to identify eligible published research studies: older adults >65 years; the administration of a functional and/or cognition assessment instrument whilst the older adult is in any part of the ED; interventions resulting from the administration of the instrument; and a measured outcome post ED visit. A revised scoping review methodology was applied to chart study data and to identify key differences. RESULTS: Ten research studies were identified that met the criteria for review. There are a variety of assessments, aimed at different age groups, for several purposes and used at different times in the ED journey. Assessments are not being used in conjunction with routine medical assessment early in the ED patient journey. CONCLUSION: This scoping review identified no consistent suite of tools being administered in the ED to influence the disposition decision with measurable outcomes. Further research is required to identify a suite of assessment instruments suitable for use in the ED setting aimed at improving disposition decision making in the complex elderly person.

Emergency Department Registered Nurses' conceptualisation of recovery for people experiencing mental illness.

BACKGROUND: The Emergency Department (ED) is an integral link to both mental health inpatient and community services and people experiencing mental health crisis often access mental healthcare through EDs. As such EDs have a significant role in enabling optimal transition of mental health consumers between services. The notion of recovery as it is understood by people who experience mental illness, and the delivery of recovery oriented mental healthcare services, are now embedded in mental health service provision in Australia and documented in policy. However, disparity exists in the meaning of recovery with the term meaning different things depending on the lens through which the concept is viewed. This research aimed to understand how Registered Nurses (RNs) working in the ED conceptualise recovery for people experiencing mental illness. METHODS: Using a phenomenographic approach, individual semi structured interviews were undertaken with 14 RNs working in Australian EDs. A seven stage cycle of data analysis resulted in the identification of six categories of description. RESULTS: The categories were - recovery not occurring; seeking help from the ED; getting through the acute mental health crisis; referral to other areas of mental healthcare; implementing strategies for ongoing care, and living in the community. CONCLUSIONS: Findings conclude that ED RNs have limited cognisance of the meaning of recovery as it is understood by people with lived experience of mental illness. Their conceptualisation of recovery for mental health consumers predominantly remains bound to the dominant medical notion of recovery.

A structure, process and outcome evaluation of the Geriatric Emergency Department Intervention model of care: a study protocol.

BACKGROUND: Emergency departments are chaotic environments in which complex, frail older persons living in the community and residential aged care facilities are sometimes subjected to prolonged emergency department lengths of stay, excessive tests and iatrogenic complications. Given the ageing population, the importance of providing appropriate, quality health care in the emergency department for this cohort is paramount. One possible solution, a nurse-led, physician-championed, emergency department gerontological intervention team, which provides frontload assessment, early collateral communication and appropriate discharge planning, has been developed. The aim of this Geriatric Emergency Department Intervention is to maximise the quality of care for this vulnerable cohort in a cost effective manner. METHODS: The Geriatric Emergency Department Intervention research project consists of three interrelated studies within a program evaluation design. The research comprises of a structure, process and outcome framework to ascertain the overall utility of such a program. The first study is a pre-post comparison of the Geriatric Emergency Department Intervention in the emergency department, comparing the patient-level outcomes before and after service introduction using a quasi-experimental design with historical controls. The second study is a descriptive qualitative study of the structures and processes required for the operation of the Geriatric Emergency Department Intervention and clinician and patient satisfaction with service models. The third study is an economic evaluation of the Geriatric Emergency Department Intervention model of care. DISCUSSION: There is a paucity of evidence in the literature to support the implementation of nurse-led teams in emergency departments designed to target frail older persons living in the community and residential aged care facilities. This is despite the high economic and patient morbidity and mortality experienced in these vulnerable cohorts. This research project will provide guidance related to the optimal structures and processes required to implement the model of care and the associated cost related outcomes. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registration Number is 12615001157561 . Date of registration 29 October 2015.