INTRODUCTION: The delivery of high quality emergency medicine ideally involves input from senior doctors 24 h a day. This study aims to assess the influence of 'real-time' senior clinician supervision on patient disposition from a UK emergency department. METHODS: The study was set in a UK teaching hospital with 24 h senior cover. Patients were initially seen by a junior doctor who completed a plan for the patient before seeking senior advice. Primary outcome measures were a change in patient outcome of discharge, admit, telephone speciality for opinion or outpatient follow-up. RESULTS: 556 patients underwent senior review during the study period. Review reduced inpatient admissions by 11.9% (95% CI 7.2% to 18.2%) and specifically reduced admissions to the acute medical assessment unit by 21.2% (95% CI 13.5% to 30.8%). Inappropriate discharge was prevented in 9.4% (95% CI 6.2% to 13.7%) and appropriate use of outpatient facilities resulted in a rise of 34.6% in appointments. CONCLUSIONS: Senior doctor input in patient care in the ED adds accuracy to disposition decisions, impacting on patient safety and improving departmental flow.
INTRODUCTION: The delivery of high quality emergency medicine ideally involves input from senior doctors 24 h a day. This study aims to assess the influence of 'real-time' senior clinician supervision on patient disposition from a UK emergency department. METHODS: The study was set in a UK teaching hospital with 24 h senior cover. Patients were initially seen by a junior doctor who completed a plan for the patient before seeking senior advice. Primary outcome measures were a change in patient outcome of discharge, admit, telephone speciality for opinion or outpatient follow-up. RESULTS: 556 patients underwent senior review during the study period. Review reduced inpatient admissions by 11.9% (95% CI 7.2% to 18.2%) and specifically reduced admissions to the acute medical assessment unit by 21.2% (95% CI 13.5% to 30.8%). Inappropriate discharge was prevented in 9.4% (95% CI 6.2% to 13.7%) and appropriate use of outpatient facilities resulted in a rise of 34.6% in appointments. CONCLUSIONS: Senior doctor input in patient care in the ED adds accuracy to disposition decisions, impacting on patient safety and improving departmental flow.
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Authors: Tony Joy; Lisa Ramage; Sophie Mitchinson; Oliver Kirby; Rob Greenhalgh; Danë Goodsman; Gareth Davies Journal: Emerg Med J Date: 2019-12-19 Impact factor: 2.740