1390 A system-wide approach to meet the challenge of emerging child health needs in our locality. (17th August 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Brown, Rebecca; Abbey, Ianthe; McQuillan, James; McNicholas, Karen; Holmes, Michael; Katib, Sal
• Is Part Of: Archives of disease in childhood. Volume 107(2022)Supplement 2
• Page Start: A126
• Page End: A126
• Publication Date: 2022-08-17
• Subjects: Children -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Infants -- Diseases -- Periodicals; 618.920005
• DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2022-rcpch.203
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0003-9888

Abstract

Abstract : Aims: Respiratory viral disease is the most common cause of hospital admission in young children, the most common causative agent is respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). In August 2021, Public Health England predicted cases of RSV would increase by 20-50%. 1 Given the continued pressures on a stretched NHS, key stakeholders from across the care system focused on anticipating demand and delivering a solution before the problem hit. Prior to NHS commissioning, a local GP provider organisation and the acute trust funded the eight-week pilot. 1 Discombe M, Collins A. Exclusive: government alert over surge in respiratory virus affecting babies and toddlers, 2021. Available: https://www.hsj.co.uk/public-health/exclusive-government-alert-over-surge-in-respiratory-virus-affecting-babies-and-toddlers/7030061.article [Accessed 30 Jan 2022] Methods: It was identified that children presenting to the Emergency Department with respiratory amber criteria 1 often did not need to attend ED and could be more beneficially handled through a community hub-based setting. The hub offers enhanced provision which utilises the skilled clinical capabilities of primary care clinicians supported by integrated working with experienced paediatric nurses and remotely with paediatric consultants. Allowing time to treat and assess response; reducing the need for hospital admission. Results: Over 400 children were seen in the children's hub, of which 98% of patients were able to be monitored on site and avoided ED attendance. The hub has succeeded in reducing paediatric attendances and improving efficiency of the ambulance service through prompt and safe transfers. Allowing time for support and education of parents has led to improved parent confidence in managing their child's condition at home. The rota at the hub is quickly filled and staff report high satisfaction levels and it has been fostering a culture of natural sharing of knowledge and training through primary and secondary care teams working together. Conclusion: Developing a system wide approach to meet the challenges of emerging health needs has had a significant impact on reducing the pressures across both primary and secondary care. There have been unintended benefits of closer working, including skill sharing and developing a deeper understanding of the challenges across both settings. This partnership has acted as a springboard for innovation and the clinical team are developing new pathways and the service remains an agile one which can quickly respond to the needs of the system. Reference: NICE. Traffic light system for identifying risk of serious illness in under 5s. 2019. Available: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng143/resources/support-for-education-and-learning-educational-resource-traffic-light-table-pdf-6960664333 [Assessed 30 Jan 2022]