Source: Emergency Medical Journal 2010 27 (3) p. 183-185
Date of publication: March 2010
Publication type: Journal article
In a nutshell: This commissioned article considers different models of urgent care, looking at triage/signposting; pre-hospital care services; alternatives to the ED; and the role of networks such as social care services.
The authors conclude that in order to deliver patient-centred effective and efficient urgent care in the community, system-level thinking is required at policy, practice and research levels. The public cannot be expected to necessarily make the contact that is most appropriate to their needs. Those seeking urgent healthcare need to be reassured that whichever point of access they use, they will consistently receive a safe, high-quality service.
New models of assessment, triage and delivery need to be implemented across providers and be evaluated rigorously across sectors. A number of recommendations are made to develop efficient alternative responses.
Length of publication: 3 pages
Some important notes: Please contact your local NHS Library for the full text of the article. Follow this link to find your local NHS Library.
Posted by nhsmanchester 
Urgent Care Horizon Scanning 