Home treatment for acute mental healthcare: randomised controlled trial

2019 ◽  
Vol 216 (6) ◽  
pp. 323-330 ◽  
Author(s):  
Niklaus Stulz ◽  
Lea Wyder ◽  
Lienhard Maeck ◽  
Matthias Hilpert ◽  
Helmut Lerzer ◽  
...  

BackgroundHome treatment has been proposed as an alternative to acute in-patient care for mentally ill patients. However, there is only moderate evidence in support of home treatment.AimsTo test whether and to what degree home treatment services would enable a reduction (substitution) of hospital use.MethodA total of 707 consecutively admitted adult patients with a broad spectrum of mental disorders (ICD-10: F2–F6, F8–F9, Z) experiencing crises that necessitated immediate admission to hospital, were randomly allocated to either a service model including a home treatment alternative to hospital care (experimental group) or a conventional service model that lacked a home treatment alternative to in-patient care (control group) (trial registration at ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02322437).ResultsThe mean number of hospital days per patient within 24 months after the index crisis necessitating hospital admission (primary outcome) was reduced by 30.4% (mean 41.3 v. 59.3, P<0.001) when a home treatment team was available (intention-to-treat analysis). Regarding secondary outcomes, average overall treatment duration (hospital days + home treatment days) per patient (mean 50.4 v. 59.3, P = 0.969) and mean number of hospital admissions per patient (mean 1.86 v. 1.93, P = 0.885) did not differ statistically significantly between the experimental and control groups within 24 months after the index crisis. There were no significant between-group differences regarding clinical and social outcomes (Health of the Nation Outcome Scales: mean 9.9 v. 9.7, P = 0.652) or patient satisfaction with care (Perception of Care questionnaire: mean 0.78 v. 0.80, P = 0.242).ConclusionsHome treatment services can reduce hospital use among severely ill patients in acute crises and seem to result in comparable clinical/social outcomes and patient satisfaction as standard in-patient care.

2001 ◽  
Vol 25 (8) ◽  
pp. 310-313 ◽  
Author(s):  
Judy Harrison ◽  
Nooreen Alam ◽  
John Marshall

Aims and MethodHome treatment offers an alternative to in-patient care, but little has been written about the practicalities of running such a service. Using routine information sources, details of referral and outcome are presented for patients assessed by a home treatment service over 6 months.ResultsForty-eight per cent of referrals were not accepted, mainly because of lack of cooperation, risk to self or others or the illness not being acute enough. Referrals from junior doctors and accident & emergency were least likely to be accepted. Seventy-two per cent of patients accepted suffered from schizophrenia, bipolar affective disorder or depression with psychosis, similar to the diagnoses for in-patients. Twenty per cent of patients accepted had to be transferred to in-patient care later.Clinical ImplicationsStaffing levels need to take account of time spent assessing patients. Junior doctors need training in how to use home treatment services appropriately and a wider range of options are needed to manage patients in crisis out of hours. It is possible to target patients with severe mental illness in a home treatment setting, but a significant number will need transfer to inpatient care.


2014 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 23-29
Author(s):  
Constance Hilory Tomberlin

There are a multitude of reasons that a teletinnitus program can be beneficial, not only to the patients, but also within the hospital and audiology department. The ability to use technology for the purpose of tinnitus management allows for improved appointment access for all patients, especially those who live at a distance, has been shown to be more cost effective when the patients travel is otherwise monetarily compensated, and allows for multiple patient's to be seen in the same time slots, allowing for greater access to the clinic for the patients wishing to be seen in-house. There is also the patient's excitement in being part of a new technology-based program. The Gulf Coast Veterans Health Care System (GCVHCS) saw the potential benefits of incorporating a teletinnitus program and began implementation in 2013. There were a few hurdles to work through during the beginning organizational process and the initial execution of the program. Since the establishment of the Teletinnitus program, the GCVHCS has seen an enhancement in patient care, reduction in travel compensation, improvement in clinic utilization, clinic availability, the genuine excitement of the use of a new healthcare media amongst staff and patients, and overall patient satisfaction.


EP Europace ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 23 (Supplement_3) ◽  
Author(s):  
ANL Hermans ◽  
P Van Duijnhoven ◽  
DVM Verhaert ◽  
S Philippens ◽  
M Lahaije ◽  
...  

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background. Nowadays frequently deployed invasive catheter ablation therapy in patients with symptomatic atrial fibrillation (AF) is unfortunately associated with distress such as preoperative anxiety. Improving preoperative patient information may lower anxiety towards AF ablation procedures. Purpose. To evaluate whether a lifelike 360˚ virtual reality (VR) patient information video decreases anxiety levels and improves patient preparation towards AF ablation as compared to standard preoperative patient information. Methods. Consecutive patients planned for AF ablation were recruited from the outpatient AF clinic and were randomized into two groups: the control group and the intervention group (VR group). The control group received standard preoperative information through oral counselling and information leaflets, the VR group received the standard information as well as a short dedicated 360˚ VR video (via in-hospital VR headset and disposable cardboard VR glasses for home use). Online questionnaires (aimed at information provision, anxiety and procedural experience) were administered both pre- and post-ablation. Results. A total of 103 patients (39.8% female, age 64 [58-71] years) were included in the analysis. The VR group (n = 58) reported to be clearly better informed about catheterization laboratory environment (78% vs. 73%) and the course of the procedure (82% vs. 78%), indicated fewer concerns about the procedure (47% vs. 55%) and were eager to learn even more (82% vs. 74%) as compared to controls (n = 45). However, there was no significant difference in the anxiety scores between the VR group and controls (10 [8-12] vs. 10 [8-14], p = 0.548). Home use of the video was satisfactory and resulted in discussion with relatives. Patient overall satisfaction was higher in VR group as compared to controls (84% vs. 81%). Conclusions. This study shows that a dedicated 360˚ VR video reduces concerns but does not reduce anxiety scores. Though, it easily improves procedural knowledge, patient information and patient satisfaction. Especially in times of remote patient care, this new way of informing patients may be of added value.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hong Chen ◽  
Bin Wang ◽  
Qin Li ◽  
Juan Zhou ◽  
Rui Li ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: The catheter-related bladder discomfort (CRBD) of male patients is a common clinical problem, albeit lacking effective solutions. The present study aimed to investigate whether intravesical dexmedetomidine instillation alleviates the postoperative urinary discomfort in male patients with catheter under general anesthesia.Methods: This single-blinded, prospective, randomized study included a total of 167 male patients American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I-II scheduled for surgery under general anesthesia were allocated to two groups: 84 in the dexmedetomidine group and 83 in the control group. Dexmedetomidine group patients received intravesical instillation of the drug 0.5 μg/kg and normal saline 20 mL, while the control group received intravesical instillation of 20 mL normal saline. The catheter was clamped for 30 min after intravesical instillation for all patients. CRBD scores and urethra pain numerical rating scale (NRS) scores were measured at admittance to post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) (T0), intravesical instillation (T1), 30 min (T2), 60 min (T3), 2 h (T4) after intravesical instillation, discharged from PACU (T5), and 6 h (T6) and 24 h (T7) after the operation. Patient satisfaction at discharge from PACU and 24 h post-operation were compared between the two groups. Results: CRBD scores and urethra pain NRS scores after 30 min of intravesical dexmedetomidine instillation to 24 h post-operation were significantly lower than the control group (p<0.001), and patient satisfaction was higher at discharge from PACU and 24 h post-operation (p<0.001). No differences were detected in Steward score out of PACU (p=0.213) and from the time of the end of operation to fully awake (p=0.417).Conclusion: Intravesical dexmedetomidine instillation reduces postoperative urinary discomfort and urethra pain and improves satisfaction in male patients under general anesthesia.Clinical Trial Registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (No. ChiCTR1800016429), date of registration 1st June 2018


2018 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 82-87
Author(s):  
Alexandre Buckley de Meritens ◽  
Caitlin Baptiste ◽  
June Y Hou ◽  
William M Burke ◽  
Jason D Wright ◽  
...  

During the initial surgical consult patients may feel overwhelmed by the information they are given regarding their diagnosis and surgical plan. We looked to determine if a preoperative patient educational intervention would improve patient satisfaction and optimize use of medical services after discharge. Methods: We randomized women undergoing major gynecologic surgery by laparoscopy or laparotomy, to standard of care (Control) or a preoperative educational intervention. The pre-operative educational intervention consisted of: 1) a handout with information on inpatient and outpatient recovery and 2) a preoperative phone-call to review the handout and answer questions. At the post-operative visit, patients completed a Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire (PSQ-18), addressing satisfaction, interpersonal manner, communication, time spent with doctors and physician accessibility. The number of phone calls, emergency department visits and unscheduled post-operative clinic visits were quantified during the first 2 weeks after surgery. Descriptive statistics and t-tests were used for analysis.Results: 62 consecutive patients were randomized: 31 to intervention and 31 to the control group. Within the cohort 35 patients underwent laparoscopy and 21 laparotomy, 6 patients withdrew or cancelled their surgery. Forty postoperative patient satisfaction questionnaires were collected, 20 in the intervention group and 20 in the control group (response rate 71%). Intervention was associated to increased patient satisfaction. In the LSC group, the intervention improved patients’ perception of their physicians’ interpersonal manners, communication and time spent with the doctor (p < 0.05). Only one patient (3.5%) in the intervention group visited the ER post-operatively (laparotomy, wound separation) compared to 5 (17.8%) control patients (4 laparoscopy, 1 laparotomy, p < 0.05), all for minor complaints (pain, anxiety, incision).Conclusions: In our randomized trial this low-cost, feasible pre-operative educational intervention improves patients’ perception of their surgeons’ communication skills and decreased post-operative healthcare resource utilization. The effects are most pronounced in women undergoing minimally invasive surgery.


2020 ◽  
pp. 102490792093170
Author(s):  
Ng Hing Yin ◽  
Fan Kin Ping ◽  
Lo Chor Man

Background: In a busy local emergency department, patients with certain non-life-threatening conditions which only require relatively quick and straightforward management may encounter long waiting times. A new service model called the “Fast Track” Nursing Service attempts to lessen the service load of the regular service queues and to improve patient outcomes. Objectives: This article reports the service outcomes of the Fast Track Nursing Service. Methods: Nurses at our department are selected and trained under clinical protocols specially developed for this service. Assessments and quality assurance audits ensure the quality of service. Results: This service resulted in comparatively shorter waiting times for patients included in predetermined clinical protocols. There was also a high level of patient satisfaction with this service. Conclusion: Our Fast Track Enhanced Nursing service is a model of tailored service diversification to shorten waiting times, thus improving patient satisfaction and outcome.


Open Heart ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. e000954 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ann Hovland-Tånneryd ◽  
Michael Melin ◽  
Ewa Hägglund ◽  
Inger Hagerman ◽  
Hans E Persson

ObjectivesA home-based tool for heart failure (HF) patients, was evaluated in a specialist setting as a randomised controlled trial (RCT) and also in a validation cohort in a primary care setting in a clinical controlled trial (CCT). The tool provides education, symptom monitoring and titration of diuretics. The aim of this study was thus to extend validity of the previous RCT findings in order to describe applicability of the tool in clinical practice.MethodsData from both trials were analysed separately, as well as a pooled data set (n=172). Data were analysed with respect to HF related in-hospital days, self-care behaviour and system adherence, during a 6-month intervention. The analysis of in-hospital days for the pooled data was adjusted for baseline differences between the two study cohorts, relating to disease state.ResultsIn the RCT (n=72) the intervention group (IG) consisted of 32 patients and the control group (CG) of 40 patients. The risk ratio (RR) for in-hospital days was RR: 0.72, 95% CI 0.61 to 0.84, p<0.05 in favour of the IG. In the CCT (n=100) both the IG and the CG consisted of 50 patients and the IG had fewer in-hospitals days, comparable to the RCT findings with RR: 0.67; 95% CI 0.45 to 0.99; p<0.05. For the pooled data set made up of 172 patients, the groups were well balanced but with a higher prevalence of hypertension in the CG. The RR relating to in-hospital days for the pooled data set was 0.71; 95% CI 0.61 to 0.82; p<0.05 in favour of the IG. There was a statistically significant improvement in self-care by 27% and the median system adherence was 94%.ConclusionsThese analyses suggest that the evaluated tool might reduce HF related in-hospital days in the general HF population, which adds to the external validity of previous findings.Clinical Trial RegistrationNCT03655496.


2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (6) ◽  
pp. 759
Author(s):  
Jun-Young Park ◽  
Jun Hyuk Hong ◽  
Jihion Yu ◽  
Doo-Hwan Kim ◽  
Gi-Ho Koh ◽  
...  

Urinary catheterization can cause catheter-related bladder discomfort (CRBD). Ketorolac is widely used for pain control. Therefore, we evaluated the effect of ketorolac on the prevention of CRBD in patients undergoing robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RALP). All patients were randomly allocated to the ketorolac group or the control group. The primary outcome was CRBD above a moderate grade at 0 h postoperatively. CRBD above a moderate grade at 1, 2, and 6 h was also assessed. Postoperative pain, opioid requirement, ketorolac-related complications, patient satisfaction, and hospitalization duration were also assessed. The incidence of CRBD above a moderate grade at 0 h postoperatively was significantly lower in the ketorolac group (21.5% vs. 50.8%, p = 0.001) as were those at 1, 2, and 6 h. Pain scores at 0 and 1 h and opioid requirement over 24 h were significantly lower in the ketorolac group, while patient satisfaction scores were significantly higher in the ketorolac group. Ketorolac-related complications and hospitalization duration were not significantly different between the two groups. This study shows ketorolac can reduce postoperative CRBD above a moderate grade and increase patient satisfaction in patients undergoing RALP, suggesting it is a useful option to prevent postoperative CRBD.


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