Article

Acute hospitals are facing more complex admissions with older people at
increased risk of functional decline. This study aimed to create and trial the
feasibility of a new screening tool designed to identify patients at risk of
functional decline who need an occupational therapy referral within acute care.
METHOD: Ten screening tools were reviewed and the Modified Blaylock Tool for
Occupational Therapy Referral (MBTOTR) was developed.
The MBTOTR was applied in a
retrospective chart review of 50 patients over the age of 65 years who were
admitted to five acute wards. Data on patients identified at risk of functional
decline were compared to patients who were referred to occupational therapy.
RESULTS: Occupational therapy referrals were made by ward staff for 14 out of the
50 patients reviewed (32.5%). Only 14% (n = 7) of patients did not require a
referral. The MBTOTR identified no irrelevant occupational therapy referrals.
However, 66.5% of patients identified as needing an occupational therapy referral
did not get one. CONCLUSION: The MBTOTR identified high risk acute patients
requiring an occupational therapy referral who were not referred to occupational
therapy. Use of the MBTOTR would facilitate early occupational therapy referrals
for complex patients, and potentially better discharge outcomes. Implications for
rehabilitation The MBTOTR can be used in acute care settings to facilitate
relevant occupational therapy referrals. Without a screening tool, many older
people who should have an occupational therapy assessment may not receive a
referral for occupational therapy. Nursing and medical staff need to use this
tool to identify older people in their care who may benefit from occupational
therapy assessment and intervention. If occupational therapy referrals can be
made early, this may contribute to reducing delays to discharge plans for complex
patients.

Langue : ANGLAIS