From broom cupboard to Ambulatory unit. The Basingstoke & North Hampshire Hospital journey to ambulatory care
Authors: Heffernan, C., Ellis, S. and Lad, T.
Conference: Society of Acute Medicine conference: Cardiff
Abstract:INTRODUCTION: Prior to December 2015, there was no ambulatory service present at Basingstoke and North Hampshire hospital (BNHH). All patients were referred to the acute take. This resulted in increased medical admissions and poor compliance with the best practice tariff. AIM: We aim to share the impact of ambulatory care has had following its introduction at BNHH.
METHODS: From December 2015, a small room was used for ambulatory care (Phase 1). This was mainly pathway specific patients and follow up patients. Initial early success lead to moving to a dedicated ambulatory unit with dedicated staff from September 2016 (Phase 2). A process of pull system was used to generate increased activity through ambulatory care.
OUTCOME: Phase 1 showed an average of 27 new patients per month diverted. In phase 2, this significantly increased to an average of 112 new patients per month (excluding weekends and bank holidays). This lead to an improving in best practice tariffs. CONCLUSION: Phase 2 resulted in admission avoidance and improved best practice tariffs. Our journey emphasises the importance of acute medicine at the front door.
Source: Manual