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Chee YH, Dunning-Davies B, Singh Y, Yates R, Kelsall W. Managing CHD in Tertiary NICU in Collaboration with a Cardiothoracic Center. Pediatr Cardiol 2024; 45:1172-1182. [PMID: 36178495 DOI: 10.1007/s00246-022-03013-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Increasingly non-cardiac tertiary neonatal intensive care units (NCTNs) manage newborns with CHD prior to planned transfer to specialist cardiac surgical centres (SCSC). It improves patient flow in SCSCs, enables families to be nearer home, and improves psychological well-being Parker et al. (Evaluating models of care closer to home for children and young people who are ill: a systematic review, 2011). This practice has gradually increased as the number of SCSCs has decreased. This study examines the effectiveness of this expanding practice. The management provided, length of stay in the NCTN and outcomes are described for one UK NCTN situated at a significant distance from its SCSC. A retrospective observational study of cardiac-related admissions to a NCTN between January 2010 and December 2019 was conducted. 190 neonates were identified: 41 had critical CHD; 64 had major CHD. The cohort includes babies with a wide range of cardiac conditions and additional complexities. 23.7% (n = 45) required transfer to a specialist center after a period of stabilization and growth ranging from several hours to 132 days. 68% (n = 130) were discharged home or repatriated to a local NICU. Of the remaining 15 babies, 13 were transferred to other specialties including the hospice. Two died on NICU. The mortality was consistent with the medical complexity of the group Best and Rankin (J Am Heart Assoc 5:e002846, 2016), Laas et al. (BMC Pediatr 17:124, 2017). 8.9% (n = 17) died before age 2. Nine babies had care redirected due to an inoperable cardiac condition or life-limiting comorbidities. Our study demonstrates a complex neonatal cohort with CHD can be managed effectively in a NCTN, supporting the current model of care. The NCTN studied was well supported by pediatricians with expertise in cardiology alongside visiting pediatric cardiologists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying-Hui Chee
- Addenbrooke's Hospital, Paediatrics, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK.
| | - Bryony Dunning-Davies
- Rosie Neonatal Unit, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
| | - Yogen Singh
- Rosie Neonatal Unit, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
| | - Robert Yates
- Great Ormond Street Hospital, Paediatric Cardiology, London, UK
| | - Wilf Kelsall
- Rosie Neonatal Unit, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
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Martins A, Aldiss S, Taylor RM, Gibson F. Care coordination, consistency and continuity: the case of the key worker role in children’s cancer care. Int J Qual Stud Health Well-being 2022; 17:2092958. [PMID: 35757984 PMCID: PMC9246033 DOI: 10.1080/17482631.2022.2092958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose The overall aim was to evaluate the key worker role across principal treatment centres for children with cancer in England, Wales and Scotland. Methods Mixed-methods case study gathering data from multiple perspectives using questionnaires, interviews, focus groups and reports/performance documents over a two-year period. Framework approach was adopted to analyse transcripts and documentary data. Results Participants included: 22 nurse specialist key workers, 103 parents, 85 professionals and 10 children/young people. Qualitative and quantitative data were woven together, to best illuminate key worker services. Four main models of care were described as well as the context of care and process of care. Key working effectiveness centred around three pillars: care coordination; expert knowledge, experience and expertise; relationship. These were essential to improved family experience, emotional wellbeing, and delivery of individualized care closer to home. Conclusions The role is complex and diverse, responding to local needs. Certain conditions, (e.g., high caseload) placed limits on enacting the three pillars, diminishing the positive experience of families. When they worked well, key workers reduced the fragmented nature of services and families placed great value on keeping the same key worker from diagnosis into long-term care. Retaining these roles, where already in place, or including, if not, we would recommend, factoring into budgets to sustain and expand such roles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Martins
- UCLH Cancer Clinical Trials Unit, University College London Hospitals, London, UK
| | - Susie Aldiss
- School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
| | - Rachel M Taylor
- Centre for Nurse, Midwife and Allied Health Profession Led Research (CNMAR), University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Faith Gibson
- School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
- Centre for Outcomes and Experience Research in Children’s Health, Illness and Disability (ORCHID), Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
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Sanchez-Thompson N, Platt E, Aylwin C, Reese C, Alexander N, Hettiaratchy S. How much paediatric major trauma is truly paediatric? Experience from a level 1 urban Major Trauma Centre. TRAUMA-ENGLAND 2022. [DOI: 10.1177/14604086221129745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Background At its inception, there was no formal provision for children within the English major trauma network. There are now combined and stand-alone centres, but the scarcity of paediatric trauma facilities in some regions can result in long patient transfers and impact patient outcomes. The objective of this study was to determine the proportion of paediatric trauma patients who may benefit from input by adult services or may be safely managed within the local adult MTC, either because of patient physiology or injury patterns. Methods All trauma presentations to our urban MTC aged ≤16 over a 3-year period were retrospectively identified and grouped, based on age and weight. ‘Young adult’ mechanisms of trauma and patient destinations (whether paediatric or adult wards) were determined. Results There were 847 paediatric trauma cases recorded with a mean age of 9 and a male preponderance. Based on age and weight, 10–45% of cases could be considered physiologically adult-like, and 22–28% pubertal. Almost all penetrating trauma occurred in males, increasing with age. 14% of all admissions were managed on adult wards, with frequency increasing with patient age and with mechanism of actions (MOIs) relating to interpersonal violence. Conclusion In this dataset, nearly half of paediatric trauma was ‘pubertal’ or ‘adult’ in their physiology and of these most presented with ‘young adult’ MOIs. These children likely benefit from combined paediatric and adult trauma services; where these do not exist, some older patients may be safely managed within local adult MTCs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Esther Platt
- Major Trauma, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
| | | | - Clare Reese
- Paediatric Surgery, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
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Beresford B, Mukherjee S, Mayhew E, Heavey E, Park AL, Stuttard L, Allgar V, Knapp M. Evaluating specialist autism teams’ provision of care and support for autistic adults without learning disabilities: the SHAPE mixed-methods study. HEALTH SERVICES AND DELIVERY RESEARCH 2020. [DOI: 10.3310/hsdr08480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence recommends that every locality has a ‘Specialist Autism Team’: an specialist autism, community-based, multidisciplinary service that is responsible for developing, co-ordinating and delivering care and support. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence recommended that this novel delivery model was evaluated.
Objectives
The objectives were to identify services fulfilling the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence’s description of a Specialist Autism Team; to describe practitioner and user experiences; to investigate outcomes; to identify factors associated with these outcomes; and to estimate costs and investigate cost-effectiveness of these services.
Design
During stage 1, desk-based research and a survey to identify Specialist Autism Teams were carried out. Stage 2 comprised a mixed-methods observational study of a cohort of Specialist Autism Team users, which was followed for up to 2 years from the assessment appointment. The cohort comprised users of a Specialist Autism Team not previously diagnosed with autism (the ‘Diagnosis and Support’ group) and those already diagnosed (the ‘Support-Only’ group). Stage 2 also involved a nested qualitative study of senior practitioners and an exploratory comparison of the Diagnosis and Support group with a cohort who accessed a service which only provided autism diagnostic assessments (‘Diagnosis-Only’ cohort).
Setting
The setting in stage 2 was nine Specialist Autism Teams; three also provided a regional diagnostic assessment service (used to recruit the Diagnosis-Only cohort).
Participants
There were 252 participants in the Specialist Autism Team cohort (Diagnosis and Support, n = 164; Support Only, n = 88) and 56 participants in the Diagnosis-Only cohort. Thirty-eight participants (across both cohorts) were recruited to the qualitative evaluation and 11 practitioners to the nested qualitative study.
Main outcome measures
The World Health Organization Quality of Life assessment, abbreviated version (psychological domain) and the General Health Questionnaire (12-item version).
Data sources
Self-reported outcomes, qualitative interviews with users and focus groups with practitioners.
Results
A total of 18 Specialist Autism Teams were identified, all for autistic adults without learning disabilities. Services varied in their characteristics. The resources available, commissioner specifications and clinical opinion determined service design. Practitioners working in Specialist Autism Teams recruited to stage 2 reported year-on-year increases in referral rates without commensurate increases in funding. They called for an expansion of Specialist Autism Teams’ consultation/supervision function and resources for low-intensity, ongoing support. For the Specialist Autism Team cohort, there was evidence of prevention of deterioration in outcomes and positive benefit for the Diagnosis and Support group at the 1-year follow-up (T3). Users of services with more professions involved were likely to experience better outcomes; however, such services may not be considered cost-effective. Some service characteristics were not associated with outcomes, suggesting that different structural/organisational models are acceptable. Findings suggest that one-to-one work for mental health problems was cost-effective and an episodic approach to delivering care plans was more cost-effective than managed care. Qualitative findings generally align with quantitative findings; however, users consistently connected a managed-care approach to supporting improvement in outcomes. Among the Diagnosis-Only cohort, no changes in mental health outcomes at T3 were observed. Findings from the interviews with individuals in the Diagnosis and Support group and Diagnosis-Only cohort suggest that extended psychoeducation post diagnosis has an impact on immediate and longer-term adjustment.
Limitations
Sample size prohibited an investigation of the associations between some service characteristics and outcomes. Comparison of the Diagnosis-Only cohort and the Diagnosis and Support group was underpowered. The economic evaluation was limited by incomplete costs data.
Conclusions
The study provides first evidence on the implementation of Specialist Autism Teams. There is some evidence of benefit for this model of care. Service characteristics that may affect outcomes, costs and cost-effectiveness were identified. Finding suggest that extended psychoeducation post diagnosis is a critical element of Specialist Autism Team provision.
Future work
We recommend a comparative evaluation of Specialist Autism Teams with diagnosis-only provision, and an evaluation of models of providing consultation/supervision and low-intensity support.
Funding
This project was funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Services and Delivery Research programme and will be published in full in Health Services and Delivery Research; Vol. 8, No. 48. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Emese Mayhew
- Social Policy Research Unit, University of York, York, UK
| | - Emily Heavey
- School of Human and Health Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield, UK
| | - A-La Park
- Care Policy and Evaluation Centre, Department of Health Policy, London School of Economics and Political Science, London, UK
| | - Lucy Stuttard
- Social Policy Research Unit, University of York, York, UK
| | | | - Martin Knapp
- Care Policy and Evaluation Centre, Department of Health Policy, London School of Economics and Political Science, London, UK
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Castor C, Bolin K, Hansson H, Landgren K, Kristensson Hallström I. Healthcare costs and productivity losses associated with county-based home-care service for sick children in Sweden. Scand J Caring Sci 2020; 34:1054-1062. [PMID: 31985851 PMCID: PMC7754120 DOI: 10.1111/scs.12815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2019] [Accepted: 12/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
AIMS The aim of this study was to estimate the healthcare costs and productivity losses associated with county-based home-care services (HCS) for sick children. METHODS In this observational follow-up study, a combination of hospital care and HCS was compared to estimated alternative care solely at the hospital. Data on one year of healthcare utilisation for 32 children, supplied by the hospital and HCS, were collected from administrative systems. Corresponding healthcare unit prices were collected from healthcare pricelists. The human-capital approach was applied to estimate productivity losses and the value of productivity losses for 25 parents. Family characteristics, including parental work absenteeism and income, were collected by a questionnaire distributed to parents at five time points during a year. Descriptive and comparative statistics were used for analysis and carried out with ethical approval. RESULTS Healthcare costs for children receiving a combination of hospital care and HCS varied among children with estimated average healthcare cost savings of SEK 50 101 per child compared to the alternative of care provided only in the hospital. The reduced costs were related to children receiving nonpalliative HCS care tasks. Average annual productivity losses due to parental work absenteeism were estimated at 348 hours with an associated monetary value estimated at SEK 137 524 per parent. CONCLUSION County-based HCS, provided as complement to and substitute for hospital care for ill children, does not increase healthcare cost and should be a prioritized area when organising paediatric health care. Productivity losses vary greatly among parents and are pronounced also when children receive HCS with signs of gender-related differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Castor
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Kristian Bolin
- Department of Economics, Centre for Health Economics, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Helena Hansson
- Department of Paediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Kopenhagen Ø, Denmark
| | - Kajsa Landgren
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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Castor C, Hallström IK, Landgren K, Hansson H. Accessibility, utilisation and acceptability of a county-based home care service for sick children in Sweden. Scand J Caring Sci 2019; 33:824-832. [PMID: 30865330 PMCID: PMC7432181 DOI: 10.1111/scs.12678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2019] [Accepted: 02/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Home care service (HCS) for sick children is a complex healthcare service, which can be organised in various models. Despite the possibility to support family everyday life, the accessibility and utilisation may still be limited. The aim of this study was to (i) determine characteristics in referrals to county-based HCS, (ii) determine characteristics of referred children and (iii) assess acceptability of parents and children in county-based HCS. METHODS Data on characteristics of referrals and referred children were collected from medical records of children 0-17 years of age, referred to eight HCS units during 2015-2018. Data on parental and child overall experience, satisfaction of, safety with, and preference for care, were collected from parents by a questionnaire. Descriptive and comparative statistics were used to analyse the data. RESULTS Three hundred and fifty-five referrals led to one or more periods of HCS for 171 children in various ages with a wide range of illnesses. Children with cancer (30%) composed the largest group and administration of intravenous antibiotics accounted for 56% of the care tasks. Seven per cent of the referrals were to palliative home care. Thirty-eight referrals of 34 children were refused. There was an uneven distribution of the indication for referral, acceptance rate and diagnoses of children among HCS units. Parents reported their and their child's experience with the HCS visit as highly positive and preferred home care to hospital care in over 96% of the HCS in 212 visits. CONCLUSION County-based HCS constitutes a supplement to hospital care for sick children with various illnesses through different stages of acute and long-term illness and at end of life, with high levels of acceptability. Few referrals and variation in referral characteristics and acceptance rate of referrals between HCS units led to unequal and inequitable accessibility and utilisation of HCS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Castor
- Department of Health SciencesFaculty of MedicineLund UniversityLundSweden
| | | | - Kajsa Landgren
- Department of Health SciencesFaculty of MedicineLund UniversityLundSweden
| | - Helena Hansson
- Paediatrics and Adolescent MedicineCopenhagen University Hospital RigshospitaletKøbenhavn ØDenmark
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7
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Castor C, Landgren K, Hansson H, Kristensson Hallström I. A possibility for strengthening family life and health: Family members' lived experience when a sick child receives home care in Sweden. HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE IN THE COMMUNITY 2018; 26:224-231. [PMID: 29094475 DOI: 10.1111/hsc.12512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/11/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Families often prefer home care to hospital care, and home-care services for ill children are increasing worldwide with limited knowledge of families' needs during curative and palliative home care. The aim of this study was to elucidate family members' lived experience when a sick child received home care from county-based primary healthcare services. A descriptive qualitative design was chosen and 12 families including sick children receiving home care and their mothers, fathers and siblings in the south of Sweden were interviewed between December 2015 and January 2017. The transcribed interviews were analysed using a hermeneutic phenomenological approach. The family members' lived experience was described in three essential themes: "Strengthening family life" relates to how home care induced freedom and luxury in a strained period of life and supported the families' everyday life. Usual social activities and relations were maintained as time and energy was saved when receiving home care. "Promoting health" relates to how the family members' burden of illness decreased as the child's signs of illness alleviated and the well-being of the whole family increased when the child received care in the home. This provided a peaceful respite for family members' psychosocial recovery. The third theme, "Creating alliances," relates to the importance of creating trustful alliances for communicating participation in care. If trustful alliances were not created, parents felt an overwhelming responsibility and family members became anxious. The findings suggest that care in the family's home is a useful complement to hospital care. Home care should be given with close attention to family members' needs and conditions, as positive effects of home care might be jeopardised when expectations and possibilities are not successfully shared.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Castor
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Kajsa Landgren
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Helena Hansson
- Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Castor C, Hallström I, Hansson H, Landgren K. Home care services for sick children: Healthcare professionals’ conceptions of challenges and facilitators. J Clin Nurs 2017; 26:2784-2793. [DOI: 10.1111/jocn.13821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/17/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Castor
- Department of Health Sciences; Faculty of Medicine; Lund University; Lund Sweden
| | - Inger Hallström
- Department of Health Sciences; Faculty of Medicine; Lund University; Lund Sweden
| | - Helena Hansson
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine; Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet; København Ø Denmark
| | - Kajsa Landgren
- Department of Health Sciences; Faculty of Medicine; Lund University; Lund Sweden
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Spiers G, Allgar V, Richardson G, Thurland K, Hinde S, Birks Y, Gridley K, Duncan H, Clarke S, Cusworth L, Parker G. Transforming community health services for children and young people who are ill: a quasi-experimental evaluation. HEALTH SERVICES AND DELIVERY RESEARCH 2016. [DOI: 10.3310/hsdr04250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BackgroundChildren’s community nursing (CCN) services support children with acute, chronic, complex and end-of-life care needs in the community.ObjectivesThis research examined the impact of introducing and expanding CCN services on quality, acute care and costs.MethodsA longitudinal, mixed-methods, case study design in three parts. The case studies were in five localities introducing or expanding services. Part 1: an interrupted time series (ITS) analysis of Hospital Episode Statistics on acute hospital admission for common childhood illness, and bed-days and length of stay for all conditions, including a subset for complex conditions. The ITS used between 60 and 84 time points (monthly data) depending on the case site. Part 2: a cost–consequence analysis using activity data from CCN services and resource-use data from a subset of families (n = 32). Part 3: in-depth interviews with 31 parents of children with complex conditions using services in the case sites and a process evaluation of service change with 41 NHS commissioners, managers and practitioners, using longitudinal in-depth interviews, focus groups and documentary data.FindingsPart 1: the ITS analysis showed a mixed pattern of impact on acute activity, with the greatest reductions in areas that had rates above the national average before CCN services were introduced and significant reductions in some teams in acute activity for children with complex conditions. Some models of CCN appear to have more potential for impact than others. Part 2: the cost–consequence analysis covered only part of the CCN teams’ activity. It showed some potential savings from reduced admissions and bed-days, but none that was greater than the total cost of the services. Part 3: three localities implemented services as planned, one achieved partial service change and one was not able to achieve any service change. Organisational stability, finance, medical stakeholder support, competition, integration with primary care and visibility influenced the planning and implementation of new and expanded CCN services. Feeling supported to manage their ill child at home was a key outcome of using services for parents. Various service features contributed to this and were important in different ways at different times. Other outcomes included being able to avoid hospital care, enabling the child to stay in school, and getting respite. Although parents judged that care was of high quality when teams enabled them to feel supported, reassured and secure in managing their ill child at home, this did not depend on a constant level of contact from teams.LimitationsDelays in service reconfigurations required adaptation of research activity across sites. Use of administrative data, such as Hospital Episode Statistics, for research purposes is technically difficult and imposed some limitations on both the ITS and the cost–consequence analyses.ConclusionsLarge, generic CCN teams that integrate acute admission avoidance for all children with support for children with complex conditions and highly targeted teams for children with complex conditions offer the possibility of supporting children more appropriately at home while also making some difference to acute activity. This possibility remains to be tested further.Future workFurther work should refine the evidence on outcomes of services by looking at outcomes in promising models, value for money and measuring quality-based outcomes.FundingThe National Institute for Health Research Health Services and Delivery Research Programme.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gemma Spiers
- Social Policy Research Unit, University of York, York, UK
| | - Victoria Allgar
- Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York, UK
- Hull York Medical School, University of York, York, UK
| | | | | | | | - Yvonne Birks
- Social Policy Research Unit, University of York, York, UK
| | - Kate Gridley
- Social Policy Research Unit, University of York, York, UK
| | | | - Susan Clarke
- Social Policy Research Unit, University of York, York, UK
| | - Linda Cusworth
- Social Policy Research Unit, University of York, York, UK
| | - Gillian Parker
- Social Policy Research Unit, University of York, York, UK
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Samuelson S, Willén C, Bratt EL. New kid on the block? Community nurses' experiences of caring for sick children at home. J Clin Nurs 2015; 24:2448-57. [PMID: 25880888 DOI: 10.1111/jocn.12823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/17/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES To investigate the experiences of Swedish community nurses in caring for sick children at home, as this is a growing population of patients in community care. BACKGROUND There is international consensus that sick children should receive care in their homes as far as possible. Home health care allows the family to stay together while the child is undergoing treatment and thus reduces strain on the family. However, it can also be demanding for parents to take on increased responsibilities for their sick child. Children as a patient group is a relatively new phenomenon in community home health care in Sweden and represents a small part of the community nurse responsibilities, making it difficult to accumulate experience. DESIGN A qualitative descriptive design. METHODS In-depth interviews with twelve nurses in community health care. Qualitative content analysis was used. RESULTS 'Feeling confident in order to instil confidence' was key in nurses' experiences. Two main themes emerged: 'Building a trusting relationship with the family' and 'Feeling confident in the role as caregiver'. Nurses aimed at creating a trusting nursing relationship and working closely with parents. The nurses' feeling of confidence in their role as caregivers depended on the support they received and the knowledge they had. CONCLUSION Many community nurses felt unconfident about caring for children at home but experienced it as manageable when peer support and a distinct collaboration with the paediatric clinic/hospital were present. The ongoing shift from hospital to home care urges paediatric clinics/hospitals and community health care to develop formal policies of transmural collaboration to train and support home nurses to deliver adequate care to sick children and their families at home and safeguard good outcomes. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE The implication of the study may contribute to efforts being made to extend and improve cooperation between paediatric clinics/hospitals and community health care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Samuelson
- Department of Nursing, Health and Culture, University West, Trollhättan, Sweden
| | - Charlotta Willén
- Department of Nursing, Health and Culture, University West, Trollhättan, Sweden
| | - Ewa-Lena Bratt
- Institute of Health and Care Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg
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Heath G, Greenfield S, Redwood S. The meaning of 'place' in families' lived experiences of paediatric outpatient care in different settings: a descriptive phenomenological study. Health Place 2014; 31:46-53. [PMID: 25463917 DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2014.10.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2014] [Revised: 10/27/2014] [Accepted: 10/31/2014] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Health service reforms in the United Kingdom have sought to ensure that children and young people who are ill receive timely, high quality and effective care as close to home as possible. Using phenomenological methods, this study examined the experience and impact of introducing new, community-based paediatric outpatient clinics from the perspective of NHS service-users. Findings reveal that paediatric outpatient 'care closer to home' is experienced in ways that go beyond concerns about location and proximity. For families it means care that 'fits into their lives' spatially, temporally and emotionally; facilitating a sense of 'at-homeness' within the self and within the place, through the creation of a warm and welcoming environment, and by providing timely consultations which attend to aspects of the families' lifeworld.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gemma Heath
- Institute of Child Health, Birmingham Children's Hospital, Whittall Street, Birmingham B4 6NH, UK.
| | - Sheila Greenfield
- School of Health and Population Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK.
| | - Sabi Redwood
- School of Health and Population Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK.
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12
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Callery P, Kyle RG, Weatherly H, Banks M, Ewing C, Powell P, Kirk S. Substituting community children's nursing services for inpatient care: a case study of costs and effects. Emerg Med J 2013; 31:e55-9. [PMID: 23811858 DOI: 10.1136/emermed-2012-201926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To compare children's pathways to and through Community Children's Nursing Team (CCNT) care, and NHS costs, before and after relocation of inpatient services and extension of a paediatric Emergency Department and Observation and Assessment Unit (ED/OAU). DESIGN Case study. Routinely collected data on activity and staffing were provided by the CCNT. Parents completed questionnaires about their child's use of healthcare services and satisfaction with care preservice reconfiguration (n=221) or postreconfiguration (n=210). The cost of service use was compared prereconfiguration and postreconfiguration. PATIENTS Children referred to CCNT care. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Healthcare service use and associated costs, satisfaction with CCNT care. RESULTS The mean number of services used before referral to the CCNT reduced from 2.8 to 1.6, and the proportion using only one service increased from 26% (n=58) to 61% (n=128). Inpatient admission during CCNT care reduced from 6% (n=13) to 2% (n=4), and ED attendance from 37% (n=79) to 16% (n=31). There was a considerable fall (25%) in the cost of CCNT care, and a sharp fall (55%) in the average overall NHS cost of care. CCNT care was rated 'excellent' or 'very good' by 85% of respondents both prereconfiguration and postreconfiguration. CONCLUSIONS A CCNT provided an alternative to hospitalisation when acute general paediatric services were reconfigured to substitute for a relocated hospital. Children's pathways to CCNT care were shortened. The average cost of CCNT care and overall NHS cost were lower following reconfiguration. Satisfaction remained high throughout.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Callery
- School of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work, The University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Richard G Kyle
- School of Nursing, Midwifery and Health, University of Stirling, Stirling, UK
| | | | - Michele Banks
- School of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work, The University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Carol Ewing
- Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Peter Powell
- Paediatric Department, West Suffolk Hospital, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, UK
| | - Susan Kirk
- School of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work, The University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
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Heath G, Cameron E, Cummins C, Greenfield S, Pattison H, Kelly D, Redwood S. Paediatric 'care closer to home': stake-holder views and barriers to implementation. Health Place 2012; 18:1068-73. [PMID: 22687749 DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2012.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2012] [Revised: 05/04/2012] [Accepted: 05/10/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED In this study we explore the views of NHS stakeholders on providing paediatric 'care closer to home' (CCTH), in community-based outpatient clinics delivered by consultants. DESIGN Semi-structured interviews and thematic framework analysis. SETTING UK specialist children's hospital and surrounding primary care trusts. PARTICIPANTS 37 NHS stakeholders including healthcare professionals, managers, commissioners and executive team members. RESULTS PARTICIPANTS acknowledged that outreach clinics would involve a change in traditional ways of working and that the physical setting of the clinic would influence aspects of professional practice. Different models of CCTH were discussed, as were alternatives for improving access to specialist care. PARTICIPANTS supported CCTH as a good principle for paediatric outpatient services; however the challenges of setting up and maintaining community clinics meant they questioned how far it could be achieved in practice. CONCLUSIONS The place of service delivery is both an issue of physical location and professional identity. Policy initiatives which ignore assumptions about place, power and identity are likely to meet with limited success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gemma Heath
- School of Health and Population Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK.
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