Guidance and competences for the provision of services using practitioners with special interests: urgent and emergency care

Source: Department of Health

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Date of publication: March 2009

Publication type: Report

In a nutshell:  This document describes different models of care and provides information about the competences, training, accreditation and assessment processes to support the accreditation of Practitioners with Special Interests (PwSIs) in Urgent and Emergency Care .
 
Length of publication: 30 pages

Some important notes: This document should be read in conjunction with Implementing care closer to home: Convenient quality care for patients .  For Commissioners, this should be read in conjunction with the World Class Commissioning Assurance Framework and associated competencies.
 
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Pandemic influenza: responsibilities of doctors in a national pandemic

Source: General Medical Council

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Date of publication: February 2009

Publication type: Best Practice

In a nutshell: This document provides good practice guidance for doctors during a flu pandemic. These guidelines refer specifically to when UK Level 3 (i.e – outbreak(s) in the UK) of an influenza pandemic is announced. If the pandemic reaches Alert level 3 there will be a need for doctors in the designated area to work flexibly to provide assistance to the public where and how it is most needed. They will need to keep up to date with and follow local and national plans, and work constructively with colleagues in the provision of care 

Length of publication: 24 pages

In an emergency – call the Clinical Librarian!

Source: Emergency Medicine Journal, 2009, 26 (5) p. 321-323

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Date of publication: May 2009

Publication type: Journal article

In a nutshell: This paper reviews the role of the clinical librarian in the emergency department

Length of publication: 3 pages 

Some important notes: An NHS Athens password is required to access the full text of this article. Please contact your local NHS library for further details

Preparing for pandemic influenza: guidance for GP practices

Source: BMA

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Date of publication: January 2009

Publication type: Best Practice

In a nutshell: This document advises practices on what they need to do now and in the future in order to prepare for, and respond to, a pandemic flu outbreak in the UK.  The document sets out guidelines for business continuity planning within GP practices and introduces new systems and procedures, such as the National Pandemic Flu Line, which will operate in an influenza pandemic. It also explains why there is a need to take action and how this will help minimise the spread of flu in a pandemic and make the best use of limited health resources.

 Length of publication: 61 pages

 Some important notes: The guidance is for GPs and their staff in general practice. Practice managers in particular should find it helpful. It will also be of use to primary care organisations  and is relevant to patients. 

This document will be regularly reviewed to include decisions as they are agreed plus any relevant changes, which relate to general practice.  It is a living document and it is therefore very important to revisit the website regularly.  To receive regular updates you should register with the BMA website

A Reengineered Hospital Discharge Program to Decrease Rehospitalization

Source: Annals of Internal Medicine, 2009, 150 (3) p. 178-187

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Date of publication: February 2009

Publication type: Journal article 

In a nutshell: Emergency department visits and rehospitalization are common after hospital discharge. This study tested the effects of an intervention designed to minimize hospital utilization after discharge. A nurse discharge advocate worked with patients during their hospital stay to arrange follow-up appointments, confirm medication reconciliation, and conduct patient education with an individualized instruction booklet that was sent to their primary care provider.  A clinical pharmacist called patients 2 to 4 days after discharge to reinforce the discharge plan and review medications.

Length of publication: 11 pages

Some important notes:  To access the full text of this article please contact your local NHS library.  Research funded by Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality and National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health.

Acknowledgement: National Health and Medical Research Council (Australia) Emergency Care Communities of Practice Blog

Emergency Department Survey 2008

Source: Care Quality Commission 

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Date of publication: January 2009

Publication type: Research

In a nutshell: This survey asked about the experiences of people who have visited an emergency department.  This is the third survey of emergency departments with just under 50,000 people taking part, a response rate of 40%.  The results and findings of this survey are presented on this website with comparisons from previous surveys.

The survey offers an insight into the experiences of patients. The questions in the survey cover the issues that patients consider to be important in their care.

Length of publication: Web page

Views regarding the provision of prehospital critical care in the UK

Source: Emergency Medicine Journal 2009, 26 (5) p. 365-370

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Date of publication: May 2009

Publication type: Journal Article

In a nutshell: Research directed at Senior Managers in prehospital care in the UK. The article assesses the attitudes of opinion leaders to critical care in the prehospital environment. The research finds broad agreement on concepts and fundamental principles but some confusion and uncertainty on current needs and the future role of prehospital critical care.  Researchers call for analysis and review of current prehospital critical care with the aim of forming a consensus and clearly defining areas of contention.  

Length of publication: 5 pages

Some important notes: An NHS Athens password is required to access this article. Please contact your local NHS library for further details. Research funded by Magpas Research Pogramme.