Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 16, 2025
Improving IV Insulin Administration in a Community Hospital
Published on: June 11, 2012
A long way from Frome: improving connections between patients, local services and communities to reduce emergency
Kathleen Withers1,2,3, Karen Pardy4, Lynne Topham4
1CEDAR Centre for Healthcare Evaluation, Device Assessment and Research, Cardiff & Vale Ubniversity Health Board, Cardiff Medicentre, Heath Park, Cardiff, CF14 4UJ, Wales, UK. Kathleen.withers@wales.nhs.uk.
Background:
Low socio-economic status can lead to poor patient outcomes, exacerbated by lack of integration between health and social care and there is a demand for developing new models of working.
Aim:
To improve connections between patients, local services and their communities to reduce unscheduled admissions.
Design And Setting:
A primary care cluster with areas of high deprivation, consisting of 11 general practices serving over 74,000 people.
Method:
A multi-disciplinary team with representatives from healthcare, local council and the third sector was formed to provide support for people with complex or social needs. A discharge liaison hub contacted patients following hospital discharge offering support, while cluster pharmacists led medicine reviews. Wellbeing Connectors were commissioned to act as a link to local wellbeing and social resources. Advance Care Planning was implemented to support personalised decision making.
Results:
Unscheduled admissions in the over 75 age group decreased following the changes, equating to over 800 avoided monthly referrals to assessment units for the cluster. Over 2,500 patients have been reviewed by the MDT since its inception with referrals to social prescribing groups, physiotherapy and mental health teams; these patients are 20% less likely to contact their GP after their case is discussed. An improved sense of wellbeing was reported by 80% of patients supported by wellbeing connectors. Staff feel better able to meet patient needs and reported an increased joy in working.
Conclusion:
Improved integration between health, social care and third sector has led to a reduction in admissions, improved patient wellbeing and has improved job satisfaction amongst staff.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:30Community Based Intervention
Foundations of Community Mental Health Programs
Central to the success of community-based interventions is the...
01:13Patient-centered Care
01:18Introduction To Health Care Delivery System
The Institute of Medicine (IOM) advocates for a patient-centered, effective, safe, timely, equitable, and effective healthcare system. The National Priorities...
01:30Specialized Care Centers and Settings-II
Rural health centers are specialized care facilities in remote locations with very few medical personnel. The primary care providers who run the centers are mostly Registered Nurse Practitioners. Here, emergency treatment is provided to critically ill or injured patients before they are transferred to the closest hospital. Fortunately, due to advancement in technology, many rural healthcare facilities and professionals have easy access to diagnostic and treatment...
01:21Planning Nursing Care I
01:26Methods Of Healthcare Delivery System
Managed Care System:
The managed care system is designed to control the cost while maintaining the quality of care. The patient's care from admission to discharge is planned by the primary care provider or the case manager, also known as the gatekeeper. In a managed care system, the number of care providers is...