The effectiveness of the intervention in trauma was measured using three indicators:
- Unscheduled healthcare attendances following discharge
- Patient Activation Measure® (PAM®) 10 *
- Patient satisfaction
Final results show a significant reduction in unscheduled GP attendances in the intervention group by 20%. 37% of patients demonstrated a higher level of activation. Hospital rating scores and individual patient feedback also improved in the intervention group.
* Suzanne E. Mitchell, Paula M. Gardiner, Ekaterina Sadikova, Jessica M. Martin, Brian W. Jack, Judith H. Hibbard, and Michael K.Paasche-Orlow 2013 ‘Patient Activation and 30-day post-discharge hospital utilization’ Journal of General Internal Medicine: 29 (2), pp349-355.
Feedback
Reduces anxiety about being “forgotten” within the hospital system as major trauma provide a point of contact.
Gives you an excellent overview of the patient, their injuries and treatments.
Allows the patient and their family time to ask questions and voice concerns.
Builds rapport so gives the patient an opportunity to be truthful or open up.
Helps patients and families feel at ease about being discharged from hospital.
Allows for clarification of follow up plans and appointments.
Having someone there to speak to for longer than 5 minutes.