How Care Home Residents Transition To and From A&E 0.1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Case Study: How Do Residents Transition Between Their Care Home and The Emergency Department?
IRAS ID
216983
Contact name
Mark S Arnold
Contact email
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
N/A, N/A
Duration of Study in the UK
4 years, 11 months, 30 days
Research summary
The care home population is ageing. Residents are living longer with increasingly complex healthcare needs. The majority have a dementia or communication difficulties. A fall or sudden deterioration in health requiring transfer to accident and emergency may cause stress and fear. Good organisation and planning, involving both the resident, their family and carers is required to ensure a satisfactory transfer.\nLittle is known about the movement of residents between their care home and accident and emergency in England. Research from other western countries suggests that these transfers are far from satisfactory. Communication failures and a fragmented approach leave the resident at risk of poor quality care. The international research suggests the resident is at risk of multiple interventions, medication errors and unwanted care. Subsequent admission to hospital can result in long lasting functional and cognitive decline. \nIn order to suggest ways of improving these transitions, we must fully understand the situation. A focused, in depth case study of both a larger care home and a small group of care homes will enable exploration of these transitions. By interviewing staff and residents a clear picture can be established. Moreover, reviewing resident documentation and clinical guidelines will explore this topic from a healthcare perspective. Finally, directly observing transfers will provide a contemporary, comprehensive view of the transition of residents between their home and accident and emergency.\nThese approaches will facilitate exploration of how residents transition between their care home and accident and emergency. They will examine the process of care transitions, identifying critical elements that may determine their success and investigate communication between settings. The experiences of resident’s undergoing transition will be better understood along with how resident and relatives can be involved. The resulting knowledge will inform the development of future policy and protocols supporting transitions in England.\n
REC name
Yorkshire & The Humber - Leeds West Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
19/YH/0120
Date of REC Opinion
16 May 2019
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion