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

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

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

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

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.

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

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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