Initial experiences of an in-reach service providing iron infusions in residential aged care facilities.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the feasibility of developing an in-reach parenteral iron infusion service to residents of residential aged care facilities (RACFs).

METHODS

An audit comparing the use of iron infusions in RACFs prior to and following the introduction of an in-reach iron infusion service.

RESULTS

Of the 738 inpatient iron infusions administered to inpatients ≥65 years in the 12 months prior to the in-reach service, 52 (7%) lived in an RACF, with no significant adverse events reported. After implementation of an in-reach service, a total of 37 RACF residents received parenteral iron in the first 12 months of the service, with no significant adverse events reported.

CONCLUSION

It is possible to safely provide parenteral iron through an in-reach service to residents in RACF. Further research is required to identify the person-level benefits achieved by this service.