Is it cost effective to introduce paramedic practitioners for older people to the ambulance service?

Source: Emergency Medicine Journal

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Date of publication: June 2009

Publication type: Journal article

In a nutshell: A scheme to train paramedics to undertake a greater role in the care of older people following a call for an emergency ambulance was developed.  The objective was to assess the cost effectiveness of the paramedic practitioner (PP) scheme compared with usual emergency care. A cluster randomised controlled trial was undertaken of PP compared with usual care.  Several changes in resource use are associated with the use of PP. Given these economic results in tandem with the clinical, operational and patient-related benefits, the wider implementation and evaluation of similar schemes should be considered

Length of publication: 6 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

Emergency services review

Source: Department of Health

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Date of publication: June 2009

Publication type: Report

In a nutshell:  This review aims to provide support to local health communities to improve the effectiveness of emergency care and achieve national standards during times of high demand.  The review responds to dips in performance during the Winter of 2008/2009 and has three components: 1) Learning lessons: data analysis and developing practical advice for operational leaders to respond to increased demand – due Summer 2009; 2) Repackaging quality guidelines, toolkits and how-to guides into a coherent offering – due September 2009; 3) Practical support from a team of emergency care specialists to local health communities and organisations – starts June 2009

Length of publication: 2 Pages

Pandemic influenza: supplementary information for third sector organisations

Source: Department of Health

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Date of publication: May 2009 

Publication type: Best Practice 

In a nutshell: This document gives background information and highlights key areas for consideration to support third sector organisations to plan, prepare and respond to pandemic influenza. By planning well, third sector organisations could play a key role in contributing to the success of the general response to, and recovery from, a pandemic.  

Length of publication: 21 pages

A systematic review of models for forecasting the number of emergency department visits

Source: Emergency Medicine Journal  

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Date of publication: June 2009 

Publication type: Systematic review

In a nutshell: The ability to predict patient visits to emergency departments is crucial for designing strategies aimed at avoiding overcrowding.  Knowledge of the mathematical models used to predict patient volume is essential. Articles were reviewed for studies designed to predict patient attendance at ED or walk-in clinics. The mathematical methods developed to predict ED visits have a low rate of error, but the prediction of daily patient visits should be used carefully and therefore does not allow day-to-day adjustments of staff.  ED managers should be aware of the model limitations. These models should be used to assess future needs.

Length of publication: 5 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

Urgent care: a practical guide to transforming same-day care in general practice

Source: Primary Care Foundation

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Date of publication: May 2009

Publication type: Report

In a nutshell:  This report describes the work of GPs across five very different PCTs, outlining key lessons for improving urgent care.  The report and recommendations are designed to suppport all organisations delivering general practice services including GMS, PMS, PCTMS, APMS and the new GP led health centres.  This report is sponsored by the Department of Health, and supported by the Royal College of General Practitioners and the British Medical Association.

Length of publication: 36 pages

Some important notes: An event is being held at the King’s Fund on 25 June 2009 to highlight the key findings and recommendations of this report.  Follow this link for full details.

Pandemic flu: managing demand and capacity in health care organisations (surge)

Source: Department of Health  

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Date of publication: May 2009

Publication type: Best Practice

In a nutshell: The aim of this guidance is to support NHS and social care organisations to build on their existing preparedness plans and enable clinicians to work within an ethical framework during a pandemic, when there may be a significant increase in demand for care. It contains guidance for primary and secondary care services on managing demand and capacity and the prioritisation of services and patients during an influenza pandemic

This document provides staff with guidance on operational issues around the increase in demand for services, and supporting clinicians with the decision making processes on triaging patients.

Length of publication: 127 pages

Some important notes: This guidance should be used to inform current planning during World Health Organisation (WHO) Phase 3 and to assist in the development of pandemic preparedness plans. It is intended for operational use in the UK once WHO declares Phase 6 and the Department of Health in England (as the UK lead agency for pandemic influenza) declares UK alert level 1.

Heatwave plan for England 2009

Source: Department of Health 

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Year of publication: May 2009

 Publication type: Best Practice

 In a nutshell:  The Plan’s purpose is to enhance resilience in the event of a heatwave.  It is an important component of overall emergency planning; and will become increasingly relevant in adapting to the impact of climate change.  Additional guidance this year is provided for the role of Strategic Health Authorities and Government Offices at Regional Level for each of the heatwave levels, from one to four.  This provides clarity about governance and risk management  

Length of publication: 39 pages