This report discusses the Aintree A&E Medical Psychology Service; an example of an innovative approach to frequent A&E attendance management.
Psychological problems (e.g. low mood, stress, anxiety) are often provoked by or co-exist with physical long-term conditions and persistent/ complex medical symptoms (including functional/medically unexplained symptoms). These interactions often leading to avoidable A&E presentations and hospital admission. The A&E Medical Psychology Service offers consultation to medical, nursing and physiotherapy colleagues to ongoing case management, alongside direct assessment, psychological intervention and case management intervention.
Audit of referrals to the service showed A&E re-attendance rates were reduced by 68.59% after one month, maintained at 41.16% after six months. Reductions were also seen ambulance usage, hospital admission rates and length of stay. This report highlights how, by being integrated into A&E medical pathways, we are able to offer timely psychological input, supporting best care within a biopsychosocial framework.
Download the report.
