Hospital-territory integration: the role of the Integrated Access Point service of Udine

Abstract

Background The Integrated Access Point (PUI) is a service of the district of Udine, of the then University Health Agency (ASUI-Ud), which guarantees access to local health services for patients reported with a protected discharge path. The following study aims to evaluate the progress of the reports taken in charge from January to August 2019. Methods The reports were analyzed according to age (mean; standard deviation) and gender (M; F) of the patients; reporting date both 24 hours (h) from entering the ward and 72 h from discharge; hospital transfer, discharge with or without activation of home care services; transfer to intermediate care facilities (RSA) and evaluation date (UVM), nursing home (CDR) or Hospice (HO). The study also includes protected discharge with: non-dischargeable patient, no service provided and more. The data was extracted and analyzed with the Business Object XI program and Microsoft Excel. Results From January to August 2019, 24 hour reports were processed by the PUI relating to 2223 patients: 45.8% of these were M (74.8; 14.2); the remaining 54.2% instead of F (79.8; 12.8). The greater proportion of reports was also accompanied by the reporting form at 72 h 88.5%. Territorial services were activated as follows: home care services (ADI) for 42.1%, HO (2%), CDR (1.3%) and RSA (19.1%). The percentage of UVM is 22.6%; those concerning the remaining categories are respectively 10.5% (no service), 5% (other). Finally, by evaluating the monthly trend of the processings, it emerges that 27.1% of these refer to reports from the winter months (from January to February). Conclusions The higher volumes of the activities of the Integrated Access Point (PUI) were reported in the first two months of the investigation period. The service represents a strategic hub: ensuring continuity of care for most patients reported with protected discharge, allows for integration between hospital and local care. Key messages The Integrated Access Point (PUI) guarantees the continuity of care for most patients reported with protected discharge. The major volume of the activities of the Integrated Access Point (PUI) were reported during the winter months of the investigation period.