Increasing capacity in acute day care settings: patients' experiences of a pop-up day care unit

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Allergy and Immunology
• Pediatric Gastroenterology
• Healthcare Management

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic significantly disrupted pediatric ambulatory care services.
• A Nightingale Hospital Bristol (NHB) pop-up day care unit was established to manage children with allergic and inflammatory bowel diseases.
• The unit aimed to provide continuous care amidst pandemic-related challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the acceptability and feasibility of a temporary, pop-up pediatric day care unit.
• To assess patient and family satisfaction with the NHB service model.
• To explore innovative healthcare delivery models for pediatric specialty care.

Main Methods:

• A pop-up pediatric day care unit operated fortnightly from December 2020 to March 2021.
• Family feedback was collected through an online survey.
• Quantitative and qualitative data were analyzed to assess service acceptability.

Main Results:

• The NHB pop-up unit was found acceptable by 72 respondents.
• 97% of families expressed willingness to return, and 90.3% preferred it over traditional hospital appointments.
• Positive feedback centered on organization, clinical environment, and convenient parking; minor concerns included directions and facilities.

Conclusions:

• The pop-up service model demonstrated high family acceptability and satisfaction.
• This initiative underscores the potential for alternative healthcare settings to ensure equitable pediatric care.
• The findings align with the NHS Long Term Plan's goals for innovative healthcare provision.