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Functional somatic symptoms in accident and emergency--An exploratory study
Alice Theadom1, Simon Dupont, Katherine Byron
1Department of Clinical Health Psychology, Riverside Centre, Hillingdon Hospital, Pield Heath Road, Uxbridge, Middlesex UB8 3NN, United Kingdom.
Accident and Emergency Nursing
|August 11, 2006
Summary
Frequent attendees with functional somatic symptoms (FSS) visit emergency departments often, experiencing significant distress and health anxiety. Developing alternative care pathways is crucial for managing FSS and reducing healthcare demands.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Emergency Medicine
- General Practice
Background:
- Functional somatic symptoms (FSS) represent a significant challenge in healthcare settings, often leading to frequent use of emergency services.
- Patients with FSS frequently attend Accident and Emergency (A&E) departments without a clear medical diagnosis, indicating unmet healthcare needs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and characteristics of functional somatic symptoms (FSS) within a UK Accident and Emergency (A&E) setting.
- To understand the impact of FSS on frequent A&E attendees and their healthcare utilization patterns.
Main Methods:
- A mixed-methods approach was employed, collecting data on patient attendances and outcomes.
- Quantitative data on visit frequency and hospital admissions were gathered, alongside qualitative exploration of anxiety, depression, and patient interviews with a clinical psychologist.
Main Results:
- One hundred frequent attendees accounted for 595 A&E visits in six months, with 20% resulting in admission.
- Participants exhibited high levels of health anxiety, with over half linking psychological factors to their symptoms.
- More than 80% of interviewed participants expressed a desire for additional support in managing their symptoms and healthcare use.
Conclusions:
- Functional somatic symptoms (FSS) cause significant patient distress and place a substantial burden on healthcare resources.
- The findings suggest a need for specialized care pathways within A&E departments to effectively assess and manage FSS and associated health anxiety.