Fatima Eltinay
Introduction
Running a high risk anaesthetic clinic for pre-operative assessment(POA) of complex patients in day surgery, highlighted gaps in communication and actions between community and primary care services and the hospital. Reducing these barriers increases access to day surgery. We aimed to facilitate links between the two services to minimise barriers for vulnerable, complex patients accessing healthcare or support to remain on the daycase pathway including after discharge.
Methods
Current gaps in communication or joint care were identified. Community stakeholders were highlighted as links ie: Social Prescribers, Local Area Coordinators and Social Workers. We met to discuss developing communication between POA and community providers for patients requiring support
Results
The following care gaps were identified
1. timely GP and POA communication for urgent surgery.
2. Prehabilitation/ health improvement increasing day surgery suitability
3. Financial support for transport/accessing prehabilitation/testing.
4. Community hubs for blood/ECG testing at locations outside GP surgeries
5. Post-operative community support eg: carer requiring surgery- no respite care for dependent relative.
6. Rehabilitation/ access to services available
7. Home check-ups to prevent readmission to hospital
Communication via secure nhs-email was successfully tested for cases located.
Conclusions
Improving communication between community care and POA for vulnerable patients increases day surgery access. This could be replicated in other service areas. Community hubs for pre-op testing and good communication networks could allow earlier fitness for day surgery.
Authors
Fatima Eltinay
Cumberland Infirmary, Carlisle, United Kingdom
Rachel Tibble
University Hospitals of Derby & Burton, Derby, United Kingdom
Rachael Clark
Derby City Council, Derby, United Kingdom
Rebecca Hudson
Derby City Council, Derby, United Kingdom