Global Point of Care
Redesigning the process in the ambulatory emergency care at James Paget University Hospital
A study of emergency admissions in England found that over a quarter of admissions did not require an overnight stay (length of stay [LoS] of zero).1 This suggests that many emergency patients could benefit from ambulatory emergency care (AEC)1 by having a systematic approach to process redesign. This entails immediate access to urgent care that would usually require the resources and expertise available in an acute hospital.2
Integrated POCT devices, such as the i-STAT System™, are likely to offer more options for managing patients in an AEC setting.
*The results shown here are specific to this health care facility and may differ from those achieved by other institutions.
Redesigning the process in the ambulatory emergency care at James Paget University Hospital
A study of emergency admissions in England found that over a quarter of admissions did not require an overnight stay (length of stay [LoS] of zero).1 This suggests that many emergency patients could benefit from ambulatory emergency care (AEC)1 by having a systematic approach to process redesign. This entails immediate access to urgent care that would usually require the resources and expertise available in an acute hospital.2
Integrated POCT devices, such as the i-STAT System™ , are likely to offer more options for managing patients in an AEC setting.
*The results shown here are specific to this health care facility and may differ from those achieved by other institutions.
Key Metrics
GOAL
Reduce LoS for patients
IMPROVEMENT
60% decrease in LoS (half-year post-redesigned process)
GOAL
increase in patients with 0 days LoS
IMPROVEMENT
25% fewer admissions
GOAL
Economic benefit
IMPROVEMENT
more than £1 million per annum
Key Metrics
GOAL
Reduce LoS for patients
IMPROVEMENT
60% decrease in LoS (half-year post-redesigned process)
GOAL
increase in patients with 0 days LoS
IMPROVEMENT
25% fewer admissions
GOAL
Economic benefit
IMPROVEMENT
more than £1 million per annum
POCT fulfilled over 85% of patient diagnostic needs in the AEC setting.3
The i-STAT System, in particular was used for a variety of common tests, with the following cartridges used most widely:3
- CHEM8+ to test blood electrolytes, basic hematology parameters and TCO2
- CG4+ to test lactate and blood gases
- PT/INR to test prothrombin time (a measure of blood coagulation)
To view the complete Case Study
POCT fulfilled over 85% of patient diagnostic needs in the AEC setting.3
The i-STAT System, in particular was used for a variety of common tests, with the following cartridges used most widely:3
- CHEM8+ to test blood electrolytes, basic hematology parameters and TCO2
- CG4+ to test lactate and blood gases
- PT/INR to test prothrombin time (a measure of blood coagulation)
To view the complete Case Study
POCT fulfilled over 85% of patient diagnostic needs in the AEC setting.3
The i-STAT System, in particular was used for a variety of common tests, with the following cartridges used most widely:3
- CHEM8+ to test blood electrolytes, basic hematology parameters and TCO2
- CG4+ to test lactate and blood gases
- PT/INR to test prothrombin time (a measure of blood coagulation)
To view the complete Case Study
References
1. NHS Institute for Innovation and Improvement. Ambulatory care directory for adult patients. 2009.
2. Royal College of Physicians. Acute Medical Care – the right person, in the right setting – first time. Report of the Acute Medicine Task Force 2007. London. Available at: www.rcplondon.ac.uk/sites/default/files/documents/acute_medical_care_final_for_web.pdf [Accessed July 2016].
3. Weihser P. Utilising POCT and Service Redesign to Establish an Ambulatory Emergency Care Service. James Paget University Hospitals – NHS. September 8, 2015. [Unpublished presentation].