Pathfinder: The benefits of using alternative care pathways for older adults who dial 999/112

Abstract

Older people who attend the Emergency Department (ED) are at greater risk of experiencing adverse events, such as pressure ulcers [1], infection [2], adverse drug events [2], falls [1–3], functional decline [1–3], or delirium [4]. Previous research shows that people aged≥65 years welcome alternative care pathways to the ED [5, 6]. Pathfinder is a collaboration between Beaumont Hospital Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy (OT) Departments and the National Ambulance Service (NAS), offering alternative care pathways at home, at the time of an Emergency Medical Services (EMS) call. The Pathfinder model represents a new care model in Ireland where, traditionally, all patients are transported to the ED following an EMS call, unless they decline transport. The team comprises a ‘Rapid Response’ element and, uniquely to pre-hospital emergency care, a ‘Follow-up’ component. The ‘Rapid Response’ con-