RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 A hyperacute neurology team – transforming emergency neurological care
JF Clinical Medicine
JO Clin Med
FD Royal College of Physicians
SP 298
OP 302
DO 10.7861/clinmedicine.17-4-298
VO 17
IS 4
A1 Arani Nitkunan
A1 Bridget K MacDonald
A1 Ajay Boodhoo
A1 Andrew Tomkins
A1 Caitlin Smyth
A1 Medina Southam
A1 Fred Schon
YR 2017
UL http://www.rcpjournals.org/content/17/4/298.abstract
AB We present the results of an 18-month study of a new model of how to care for emergency neurological admissions. We have established a hyperacute neurology team at a single district general hospital. Key features are a senior acute neurology nurse coordinator, an exclusively consultant-delivered service, acute epilepsy nurses, an acute neurophysiology service supported by neuroradiology and acute physicians and based within the acute medical admissions unit. Key improvements are a major increase in the number of patients seen, the speed with which they are seen and the percentage seen on acute medical unit before going to the general wards. We have shown a reduced length of stay and readmission rates for patients with epilepsy. Epilepsy accounted for 30% of all referrals. The cost implications of running this service are modest. We feel that this model is worthy of widespread consideration.