P-142 Evaluation of a new portable ultrasound facility at countess mountbatten house hospice. Issue Volume 8: Issue (2018)Supplement 2 (November 2018) - Hume, Anna
Abstract : Background: It has been standard practice for all patients to have US prior to paracentesis. This involved: Ambulance transfer to/from Acute Hospital in Southampton [SGH] Nurse escort Admin time Cost average=£600 per patient Increased length of stay by 4–7 days, awaiting scan at SGH Poor patient experience. 50% of our patients died within 10 days of paracentesis, indicating their general frailty and the importance of short admission. Intervention: A portable ultrasound machine was purchased by Countess Mountbatten House Hospice at £5780. Suitable training was undertaken by the author at £450. Results: 50 scans were performed over one year: 2 at home: both no ascites [died at home within seven days] 17 in OPA: 8 admitted for paracentesis 9 no ascites [ 1 U.retention – catheter inserted ] 31 in IPU: 17 ascitic drains placed 9 no ascites 5 catheters inserted for U.retention Outcomes: 11 admissions avoided 31 transfers avoided [31x £600]=£18600 124 bed days saved [31x4 minimum wait for scan at £294 per day]=£ 36456 Patient experience improved: Unnecessary admission avoided Transfer avoided Faster relief of symptoms Reduced length of stay.