Journal of health services research & policy
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J Health Serv Res Policy · Jul 2007
Impact of patients' socioeconomic status on the distance travelled for hospital admission in the English National Health Service.
To compare the distances travelled for inpatient treatment in England between electoral wards prior to the introduction of a policy to extend patient choice and to consider the impact of patients' socio-economic status. ⋯ Before the introduction of more patient choice, there were considerable differences between individuals in the distances they travelled for hospital care. An increase in patient choice may disproportionately benefit people from less deprived areas.
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J Health Serv Res Policy · Apr 2007
'Should I stay or should I go?' Deciding whether to go to hospital after a 999 call.
In most UK ambulance services, crews attending someone who has phoned the emergency services on '999' will take the patient to hospital, unless the patient makes the decision to stay at home (or wherever they happen to be when the ambulance arrives). Safety concerns have been raised about non-conveyance decisions. We undertook a study of one UK Ambulance Service to examine ambulance crew members' views on how decision-making about non-conveyance works in practice in relation to non-urgent calls. ⋯ There is a mismatch between policy and practice in relation to non-conveyance decisions. Findings should be built into research and service development in this rapidly changing field of practice in emergency and/or unscheduled care. The commonly accepted perspective on shared decision-making should be extended to include the context of '999' ambulance calls.
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J Health Serv Res Policy · Oct 2006
ReviewA systematic review of evidence about extended roles for allied health professionals.
Extending the role of allied health professionals has been promoted as a key component of developing a flexible health workforce. This review aimed to synthesize the evidence about the impact of these roles. ⋯ A range of extended practice roles for allied health professionals have been promoted and are being undertaken, but their health outcomes have rarely been evaluated. There is also little evidence as to how best to introduce such roles, or how best to educate, support and mentor these practitioners.