RITA Research Paper by Glenn Martyn Smith RN(MH), BN(Hons), PostGradDip Nursing

The paper concludes that RITA in Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council and North Tyneside CCG showed both qualitative and quantitative improvements. Consistent evidence is presented across key sites that demonstrate improvements in engagement, mood, communication, confidence, empowerment and integration on the part of residents and staff, and reduced wandering, anxiety and agitation, which are consistent with the key research in this area. Falls reductions of between 38% and 45% are presented in areas in Dudley, which show the potential in the next 5 years to reduce admissions by 281, bed days by 2306 at a cost avoidance of £691k. Similarly, falls reduction in North Tyneside are shown as between 23% and 53% which is potentially a reduction of 233 admissions or 1912 bed days, and a cost avoidance of £573k over 5 years. Further evidence drawn from the case studies shows multiple sites also reporting other savings associated with reduced care costs and 1 to 1 supportive observations, improvement in nutrition and hydration, reduced use of medication and improvement in staff morale, although further work is required in the future to quantify these improvements more accurately.