Case management of patients who frequently present to a Scottish emergency department

Source: Emergency Medicine Journal

For fulltext link here

Year of publication: 2009

Publication type: Journal article

In a nutshell: The aim of this study was to assess whether case management of frequent attenders to the emergency department (ED) reduces subsequent attendances made by these patients. Patients who attended the ED 10 times or more over a 6-month period were identified. Their cases were assessed and care plans put in place, if appropriate. Patient attendances over the subsequent 6 months were compared. The findings of this study suggest that individual case management and implementation of care plans may help to reduce subsequent attendances in patients who frequently attend ED.

Length of publication: 3 pages

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

Urgent care system reform for Central Manchester

Source: NHS Manchester

For fulltext link here

Year of publication: 2008

Publication type: Report

In a nutshell: The urgent care programme was set up to improve the existing system and deliver a world class service to patients within Central Manchester. A review of the current system was undertaken which gave a picture of its strengths and weaknesses. A commissioning intent document was created which described a vision for urgent care services. This has been developed into a system design document which details the future model of urgent care services. This programme is a partnership between NHS Manchester, Manchester City Council and Central Manchester Practice Based Commissioning Group.

Length of publication: 205 pages

GPs Extended Opening Hours

Source: Department of Health

For fulltext link here

Year of publication: 2009

Publication type: Statistics

In a nutshell: The NHS Operating Framework for the NHS in England 2008/09 sets out the Government’s key priority for improving routine access to GP services in evenings and at weekends, requiring PCTs to ensure that at least half of their practices are offering extended opening hours to patients.

Length of publication: 1 spreadsheet

Some important notes: Data is updated monthly

Acknowledgement: Info4Local

Medicines in unplanned care toolkit

Source: Medicines Management Network North West

For full text link here

Year of publication: 2008

Publication type: Report

In a nutshell: This toolkit has been produced to help all those involved in the delivery of urgent care, to review and look in more depth at progress and solutions for access to medicines following unplanned and urgent consultations. It sets out a series of steps that can be taken to review current practice, identify any areas which still fall short of the standards, and suggests ways in which those shortcomings can be tackled successfully.

Length of publication: 42 pages

Acknowledgement: NLH Emergency Care Specialist Library

Patient and Public Involvement in OOH’s and Urgent Care Conference

Source: Urgent Healthcare Solutions

For fulltext link here

Year of publication: 2009

Publication type: Conference

In a nutshell: Over the last decade there have been enormous changes in the way that urgent care services are provided. This conference is aimed at all those with an interest in understanding the importance of patient and public involvement in urgent care.

Length of publication: 1 web page

Some important notes: The conference is intended for patients and service users, PCT and SHA senior managers involved in commissioning urgent care services as well as Chief Executives, Directors and senior managers from OOHs and urgent care providers.

MPs debate access to emergency and urgent care services

Source: Parliament

For fulltext link here

Year of publication: 2009

Publication type: News Item

In a nutshell: This parliamentary debate acknowledges the excellent emergency and urgent care services in the UK and the recent strain placed on these services from winter viruses. The debate covers the improvement of acute hospital services and development of specialist centres where appropriate but highlights the concerns of the College of Emergency Medicine on proposals to establish urgent care centres. Public involvement; the contribution made by community first responders; and a proposal to introduce a single telephone number to access urgent and emergency care services are also discussed.

Length of publication: 1 web page

Some important notes: Refers to the College of Emergency Medicine report The Way Ahead 2008-2012

Commissioning a new delivery model for unscheduled care in London

Source: Healthcare for London

For full text link here

Date of publication: 2008

Publication type: NHS Trust document

In a nutshell: This document provides guidance for PCTs to support the development of unscheduled care commissioning and commissioning strategic plans (CSPs). It sets out a new delivery model for unscheduled care in London based on a tiered approach which encompasses three broad responses to patients’ unscheduled care needs – rapid/moderate; urgent; and emergency.

Length of publication: 28 pages

Survey of public experiences of unscheduled care services in Wales

Source: Welsh Audit Office

For full text link here

Year of publication: 2008

Publication type: Website

In a nutshell: The WAO have launched a study into the effectiveness of unscheduled care services in Wales and are surveying the public on their opinions and experiences. The study will look at the entire system of unscheduled care in Wales, including ambulance services; NHS Direct; A&E; and out-of-hours provision.

Length of publication: 2 web pages

Acknowledgements: BBC News

The Way Ahead 2008-12

Source: The College of Emergency Medicine

For full text link here

Year of publication: 2008

Publication type: Report

In a nutshell: The College of Emergency Medicine is calling on the Government to urgently address serious workforce shortages and fund additional Emergency Medicine Consultant positions in hospitals across the UK. The College recommends an increase in consultant posts by 2012 to ensure each Emergency Department has a qualified specialist to lead and supervise care, particularly in the evenings and at weekends. This policy is outlined in their vision The Way Ahead 2008-2012.

Length of publication: 62 pages

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Guide to patient and public involvement in urgent care

Source: NHS National Centre for Involvement

For full text link here

Year of publication: 2008

Publication type: Best Practice

In a nutshell: This best practice guidance provides a step by step process to implement an effective system of patient and public involvement in urgent care. It was produced in response to the 2006 consultation on the Direction of Travel for Urgent Care which identified low levels of public and patient involvement in urgent care.

Length of publication: 42 pages

Acknowledgement: Department of Health