Information needs of GP staff during critical illness recovery
Research type
Research Study
Full title
An exploration of the information General Practitioner (GP) practice staff require to successfully co-ordinate the rehabilitation of critically ill patients after hospital discharge.
IRAS ID
169192
Contact name
Suzanne Bench
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
King's College, London
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 7 months, 31 days
Research summary
What information should be provided to General Practice (GP) staff, to facilitate successful rehabilitation of critically ill patients after discharge from hospital?
People recovering from critical illness frequently experience fatigue, weakness, anxiety and depression, which can lead to long-standing health and social problems for both them and their family. GPs perform an essential coordinating role during rehabilitation and recovery, with responsibility for monitoring and managing health after hospital discharge. Without appropriate information, it may be difficult for them to provide effective support. Little is known about the type and amount of information GP staff require to best support these patients and their families. Medical discharge summaries are commonly sent to GPs by the hospital, but these frequently include limited details about an individual’s critical care experience and their ongoing needs.
This study will interview former patients, relatives and GP staff in England to explore the information GP staff require to support critically ill patients after discharge from hospital. Anyone who has experienced critical illness (as a patient or relative) will be invited to take part. In addition, GPs and practice nurses will be invited to participate.
Each participant will take part in one focus group interview (of up to 10 people), lasting one and a half hours. Interviews will be arranged flexibly to suit the needs of those participating; with an option of an individual interview for those unable or unwilling to participate in a focus group.
Participants will be asked for their views and experiences related to GP information and encouraged to discuss issues they feel are of importance. Interviews will be conducted by two members of the research team and will be audio-recorded. The key themes identified from the study will be used to inform future guidance for in-hospital staff when writing critical care discharge summaries.
REC name
East Midlands - Leicester Central Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/EM/0043
Date of REC Opinion
19 Jan 2015
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion