Frequent presentations to emergency departments and the collaborative community and emergency response

Journal of Integrated Care, Ahead of Print. Purpose Patient dependence on an emergency department (ED) for ongoing, non-urgent health care is a complex issue related to poor mental and physical health, disability, previous trauma, social disadvantage and lack of social supports. Working Together to Connect Care is an innovative program that provides an assertive community case management approach coupled with an ED management plan to support people who frequently attend the Royal Brisbane and Women ’s Hospital ED. The program, which is yet to be fully evaluated, currently helps to manage a large number of patients with a wide variety of complex needs. To demonstrate the scope and capabilities of the program, the purpose of this paper is to present a series of case studies of patients who fre quently attended the ED and subsequently became program participants. Design/methodology/approach A series of five case studies is used to illustrate the variety of patient characteristics and available management pathways. Outcomes, including rates of ED attendance, at five months after program c ommencement are also described. Findings The variety of characteristics and experiences of the patients in the case studies is representative of the program cohort as a whole. Program participation has resulted in improved patient outcomes as demonstrated by crisis resolution, housing stability, e ngagement with primary health care and reduced frequency of ED presentations. Originality/val...
Source: Journal of Integrated Care - Category: International Medicine & Public Health Source Type: research