Australian health review : a publication of the Australian Hospital Association
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Objective The aim of the present study was to identify patient and non-patient factors associated with reduced mortality among patients admitted from the emergency department (ED) to in-patient wards in a major tertiary hospital that had previously reported a near halving in mortality in association with a doubling in National Emergency Access Target (NEAT) compliance over a 2-year period from 2012 to 2014. Methods We retrospectively analysed routinely collected data from the Emergency Department Information System (EDIS) and hospital discharge abstracts on all emergency admissions during calendar years 2011 (pre-NEAT interventions) and 2013 (post-NEAT interventions). Patients admitted to short-stay wards and then discharged home, as well as patients dying in the ED, were excluded. ⋯ These results took account of any possible confounding resulting from differences over time in emergency admission rates, deaths in the ED, numbers of short-stay ward admissions and coding of palliative care deaths. What are the implications for practitioners? Efforts aimed at improving NEAT compliance and efficiencies at the ED-in-patient interface appear to be worthwhile in reducing in-patient mortality among particular subgroups of emergency admissions at high risk. More research is urgently needed in identifying patient- and system-level factors that predispose to higher mortality rates in such populations, but are potentially amenable to focused interventions aimed at optimising transitions of care at the ED-in-patient interface and increasing NEAT compliance for patients admitted to in-patient wards from the ED.
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Objective This retrospective study aimed to explore the appropriate application and implications of Mental Health Act 2007 (NSW) (MHA) certificate use in a metropolitan generalist hospital in New South Wales. Methods A de-identified MHA certificate review was undertaken within acute generalist medical and surgical specialties between June 2012 and May 2013. To assess differences, data were separated into two categories according to whether certificates were completed by psychiatry trainees or generalist medical officers. ⋯ Disparate preparation of medical officers in the use of this legislation has been identified, which has potential wider implications for patients beyond immediate care. What are the implications for practitioners? Inadequate attention to correct completion of MHA certificates and associated documentation could potentially invalidate detention, leaving healthcare professionals and institutions open to litigious claims that restrictive or coercive practices subsequent to the certificate's completion were technically unlawful. Further, detention under the MHA, albeit temporarily, has potential human rights issues attached and wrongful detention could lead to longstanding issues relating to stigma.
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Currently, healthcare organisations are being challenged to provide optimal clinical services within budget limitations while simultaneously being confronted by aging consumers and labour and skill shortages. Within this dynamic and changing environment, the ability to remain responsive to patient needs while managing these issues poses further challenges. Development or review of the model of care (MOC) may provide a possible solution to support efficiencies in service provision. ⋯ Further, it is imperative that leaders engage stakeholders to commit to support the agreed strategies designed to provide efficient and comprehensive healthcare services. Redesign of MOC can significantly improve patient care by applying the agreed strategies. In the current healthcare environment, these strategies can favourably affect healthcare expenditure and, at the same time, improve the quality of interprofessional health services.