045  Post discharge telephone calls from neurology specialist nurses can reduce re-admission rates: a re-audit. Issue 6 (27th May 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ravindran, Pahalavi; Shanmuganathan, Sarah; Boodhoo, Ajay; Schon, Fred; Nitkunan, Arani
• Is Part Of: Journal of neurology, neurosurgery and psychiatry. Volume 93:Issue 6(2022)
• Page Start: A114
• Page End: A115
• Publication Date: 2022-05-27
• Subjects: Neurology -- Periodicals; Nervous system -- Surgery -- Periodicals; Psychiatry -- Periodicals; 616.8
• DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2022-ABN.370
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-3050

Abstract

Abstract : We carried out audits of all in-patients referred for consultant neurology opinions in a single district general hospital over 2-month periods in 2018 and after relevant adjustments in 2020. In 2018, of 235 patients seen, the overall 30-day re-admission rate was 18.7% (44 patients). Of the 235 patients, the consultant requested post discharge follow-up on 76 (32.3%) but only 42 were contacted (55%) of which 24 (57%) were phoned within 30 days. The re-admission rate was reduced by only 0.5% in those successfully contacted. In 2020, of 252 patients seen, the 30-day re-admission rate was 18.7% (47 patients). Follow up was requested for 52.8% (133 patients). We improved our successful telephone rate to 77% of which 49 (47.6%) were contacted in under 30 days. Re-admission rate for those contacted was reduced to 16.5% compared to 21% amongst those not contacted. The majority of re-admissions (55%) were for non-neurological diagnoses. Patients with multiple co-morbidities were 46% more likely to be re-admitted. NICE guidelines recommend a post discharge telephone follow-up. Our results suggest trying to achieve maximum early contact is likely to reduce re-admission rates. [e-mail]