In 2022 NARI conducted a scoping review of new and emerging shared care models and co-management programs for the Shared Acute Models of Care for Older People in Hospital (ShAMCOP) project.

Review supported by local health service consultation

The literature review was supported by a scoping framework and two consultation steps:

1. Consultation and workshop as part of the Acute Models of Care Project (AMCOP) and
2. Two surveys to collect information about shared models of care from clinicians based at Victorian health services. 

Improving care outcomes through person-centred and multidisciplinary care

The scoping review revealed that there are both established and emerging models of shared care and shared management of care for older people in acute hospital settings across a range of disciplines and clinical specialties. All approaches to shared care demonstrated a desire to improve care outcomes through person-centred and multidisciplinary care that better addresses the needs of frail older patients with co-morbidities. In addition, common features of shared care models included:

• Collaborative care – 2 dedicated multi-disciplinary medical / surgical teams (a geriatric and a non-geriatric specialty) working concurrently and co-operatively to support assessment and ongoing management as opposed to a ‘consultation request’ approach
• Commitment to geriatric assessment – standard use of CGA and/or modified geriatric assessment screening, frailty screening or similar
• Specialist workforce – incorporating either a Geriatrician or an advanced practitioner, such as a Nurse Practitioner, with specialist training in geriatric medicine within the care team
• Continuing professional development – improved geriatric training and knowledge translation for clinicians and specialists.

Contact: Amy Parker

Shared Acute Models of Care for Older People in Hospital