TABLE 7.

Refined core components of the Programme

Decision Support tools

‐‐Clinical decision‐making guidelines for managing acute deterioration

‐‐Track and trigger tool to monitor vital signs

‐‐Use of standard communication tool (such as SBAR)

Advanced clinical skills training

‐‐Initial mandatory face‐to‐face training on early identification of deterioration and response (around main conditions leading to hospital transfers)

‐‐Clear definition and description of subacute and subacute care requirements

‐‐Training on clinical management of conditions identified as likely to result in hospitalisation (i.e. UTIs, chest pain, falls, delirium, dehydration, dyspnoea, palliative care, constipation)

Specialist clinical support and collaboration

‐‐Knowledgeable and enthusiastic on‐site clinical leader(s)

‐‐Clinical Champions (optional)

‐‐External stakeholders' engagement and support (i.e. GPs, NPs, GP Practice Nurses, RAC team)

Diagnostic medical equipment (i.e. bladder scanners, ECG machines, vital sign monitors) (optional)

Facility policy and procedures on early identification of deteriorating health and providing subacute care

Culture of staff readiness to change

Supportive executive and facility management

Family and care recipient education and engagement around subacute programme

Abbreviations: ECG, Electrocardiogram; GP, General Physician; NPs, Nurse Practitioner; RAC, Residential Aged Care; SBAR, Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation (communication tool); UTI, urinary tract infection.