OPERA Model of Care
The Older Person's Evaluation Review and Assessment (OPERA) program at Westmead Hospital places the older person at the centre of the care pathway to achieve better processes of care and improved outcomes. The key component of this model of care is the specialist evaluation, review and assessment of the older person at the beginning of the hospital care pathway. The skills of senior clinicians with expertise in the care of the older person are aligned to the needs of the unwell older person with minimum delay. In the emergency department context, these skills provide an added focus on the identification of underlying chronic diseases and/or the ageing process in addition to the acute presenting condition.
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| Henry is 85 years old and uses a variety of mobility aids. Henry has had five hospital admissions in twelve months due to falls. | After his last fall the ASET nurse assessed Henry and he was then transferred to the OPERA unit. | In the OPERA Unit Henry had a multi-disciplinary assessment. These showed that he was medically stable enough to be treated at his home. Henry was allocated to an OPERA community bed. | The OPERA multi-disciplinary team visits Henry at home. Transferring between the flat and the communal space causes Henry difficulties. Henry moves to the communal residence. | The physiotherapist visits Henry three times a week and he has a home based exercise program. An ACAT assessment is done. Henry is eligible for low level hostel care. | After four weeks Henry is referred for Home Care. Henry has not fallen or been hospitalised for six months. |
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Implementing OPERA
- About OPERA
- Guidelines, Tools and Hints to help Implement the OPERA Model of Care
- View references used to develop the OPERA Model of Care
