ObjectivesAnxiety is a common condition usually managed in general practice (GP) in the UK. GP patient records can be used for epidemiological studies of anxiety as well as clinical audit and service planning. However, it is not clear how general practitioners (GPs) conceptualise, diagnose and document anxiety in these records. We sought to understand these factors through an interview study with GPs.SettingUK National Health Service (NHS) General Practice (England and Wales).Participants17 UK GPs.Primary and secondary outcome measuresSemistructured interviews used vignettes to explore the process of diagnosing anxiety in primary care and investigate influences on recording. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic analysis.ResultsGPs chose 12 different codes for recording anxiety in the 2 vignettes, and reported that history, symptoms and management would be recorded in free text. GPs reported on 4 themes representing influences on recording of anxiety: ‘anxiety or a normal response’, ‘granularity of diagnosis’, ‘giving patients a label’ and ‘time as a tool’; and 3 themes about recording in general: ‘justifying the choice of code’, ‘usefulness of coding’ and ‘practice-specific pressures’. GPs reported using only a regular selection of codes in patient records to help standardise records within the practice and as a time-saving measure.ConclusionsWe have identified a coding culture where GPs feel confident recognising anxiety symptoms; however, due to clinical uncertainty, a long-term perspective and a focus on management, they are reluctant to code firm diagnoses in the initial stages. Researchers using GP patient records should be aware that GPs may prefer free text, symptom codes and other general codes rather than firm diagnostic codes for anxiety.
AimsPatients may be referred for out-of-area (OOA) placements for a variety of reasons, including a lack of local service provision to meet the requirements of patients with complex or longer-term needs. OOA placements can lead to patients experiencing social isolation from family and friends, as well as disjointed access to local services. In addition, placements can be costly in comparison with locally provided services. Mental health Intensive Support Team (MhIST) is a specialist community rehabilitation service within Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust which was established in June 2021. Although the team does not have specific diagnostic inclusion criteria, patients referred will typically have a high level of complexity in addition to severe, treatment refractory symptoms and impaired social, interpersonal and occupational functioning.MethodsWe analysed routinely collected data to explore two methods by which MhIST is reducing referrals for OOA placements including i) direct diversion of patients who would otherwise have been referred for OOA placements to the community with MhIST support, and ii) facilitating discharge from local high dependency inpatient rehabilitation services in order to improve patient flow, which in turn additionally enables repatriation from pre-existing OOA placements.ResultsWe identified a cohort of 33 patients who had been supported by MhIST for ≥3 months. This cohort includes seven patients who would otherwise have been referred for an OOA placement. Further analysis for this group showed that initial referrals to MhIST were received from community mental health teams (CMHT) (n=1), acute inpatient wards (n=4) and high dependency inpatient rehabilitation services (n=2). Two patients (29%) were discharged to supported accommodation, and five (71%) were discharged to independent accommodation. Within the wider patient cohort identified (n=33), 66% of patients are living independently in the community.In total, 13 patients have been discharged from high dependency inpatient rehabilitation services to MhIST during the review period.ConclusionMhIST uses a multi-disciplinary model which offers an intensive level of support and a high frequency of interventions. The team includes support workers, nurses, doctors, occupational therapists, psychologists and social workers, and in addition links with other community services involved in housing, employment and social projects. A bespoke and flexible approach allows complex needs to be addressed within local services, and here we highlight the role of MhIST in reducing referrals to OOA placements.
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