Abstract Introduction
Young children experience high levels of emergency attendances and admissions relating to respiratory, gastro-intestinal and febrile conditions linked to infectious diseases. Presentation at the Emergency Department is expensive and families can experience long delays and limited support for managing conditions. It was proposed to develop a Rapid Response service for children aged 0-4 years to provide intervention and training and support for managing conditions in the long term and improving health protection through hygiene training. Methods Directly bookable appointments created through 111 to a Rapid Response Team, staffed by paediatric trained nurses. Children will be supported for up to 72 hours and training provided on asthma management, hygiene and self-care in addition to clinical care of the presenting condition. This was supplemented with a proactive communication plan in primary care and ED to inform parents of the service and options for self care.
Results
In the first five months of operation, an average of 50 children were cared for per month. During this period, attendances at ED reduced by 30%. Parents reported high levels of satisfaction with the service in terms of quality, outcomes and ability to manage conditions in the future. Early evaluation shows fewer subsequent presentation by these families.
Conclusion
Teaching parents self-care, hygiene and management techniques appears to contribute to a lower burden on the health service, greater parental confidence and improved outcomes for the child. Further study is required to understand impact on incidence or duration on key conditions nut early indications are supportive. External funding details NHS