Critical care outreach: A valuable resource?

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Management
• Clinical Services Evaluation
• Patient Care Improvement

Background:

• Critical Care Outreach Services (CCOS) were recommended in the UK in 2000.
• Despite being established, CCOS efficacy lacks explicit research demonstration.
• Understanding staff perspectives is key to service improvement.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the impact of CCOS from the perspective of hospital ward staff.
• To identify potential areas for CCOS service improvement.

Main Methods:

• A pilot formative process evaluation was conducted.
• A self-completion questionnaire was developed and distributed to clinical staff.
• Exploratory questionnaire distributed to a purposive sample on medical and surgical wards.

Main Results:

• 58 out of 195 (30%) staff members responded to the questionnaire.
• Staff understood CCOS utilization and highly valued the service.
• CCOS were perceived to have diverse responsibilities, with suggestions for increased staffing and hours.

Conclusions:

• CCOS value lies in supporting ward staff and enhancing patient care quality.
• Results align with previous evaluations on the supportive role of CCOS.
• While not generalizable, the study highlights the perceived value of CCOS support for ward staff.