| Title: | Can Grip Strength be used as a predictor of re-admission in patients enrolled in a COPD Outreach Early Supported Discharge (ESD) Programme? |
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| Author(s): | M O'Connor D Masterson A Radley Y Vapra K Bolger |
| Institution: | Tipperary University Hospital |
| Poster: | Click to view poster |
| Category: | COPD/Asthma |
| Abstract: | COPD Outreach ESD commenced in TippUH as a Slaintecare project in November 2020. One aim of ESD is to reduce re-admission rates. An estimated 35% of patients hospitalised with acute exacerbation of COPD are re-admitted within 90 days. The first step towards avoiding re-admission is identification of patients at risk. Studies have explored potential predictors for re-admission, including frailty. Hand grip strength, a component of the Frailty Phenotype is an objective measure which may predict re-admission. All patients accepted for ESD (36 to date) performed grip strength measurement, using a Saehan Hydraulic Hand Dynamometer. Grip strength was classified as ‘Weak’ or ‘Not Weak’ using cut off scores stratified by gender and BMI, as per ‘Strength’ component of the Frailty Phenotype assessment. 15 patients have passed 90 days post acceptance. Of those, 10 (67%) were ‘Weak’ and 5 (33%) were ‘Not Weak’. Of the ‘Weak’ patients, 7 (70%) were re-admitted within 90 days. Of the ‘Not Weak’ patients, only 1 (20%) was re-admitted. Results indicate a potential clinically significant difference between ‘Weak’ and ‘Not Weak’ groups. However as patient numbers are limited, further data collection and analysis are required to determine association between grip strength and re-admissions for COPD patients. |
