Social care's impact on emergency medicine: a model to test

Emergency department crowding: towards an agenda for evidence-based intervention: Figure 1

“…Scribes for documentation are advocated in the USA,1 where it is estimated that emergency physicians spend between 90 and 120 min per 8 h on documentation 1. Other suggestions include the use of mental health nurses to provide specialist support,52 social workers to help facilitate timely discharge,66 and patient flow coordinators to coordinate diagnostic results, admission, and so forth 63. While plausible solutions, these roles and service are underdeveloped in practice and single case study evaluations show little impact.…”

Older people in accident and emergency: implications for UK policy and practice

“…A literature review on social work services in A&E concluded that, although more evaluation is needed, cumulative evidence to date suggests that such services can have a positive impact. 37 Follow-up service Four papers report on the provision of services to older people following their discharge from A&E. Close et al 38 report on a randomized controlled trial based in a UK A&E department on the effectiveness of a programme (for older people with no cognitive impairment) of assessment and preventative interventions on the rate of further falls. The intervention included in-depth medical and OT assessment followed by referrals, advice, education and home modifications where needed.…”

Embedding an allied health service in the Nelson hospital emergency department: A retrospective report of a six month pilot project

“…Two studies explored and discussed the positive impact the social work ED role could make to emergency care and costs by addressing client psychosocial issues. These studies speak positively but have limited evidence (Bywaters et al 2003, Van Pelt 2010. Studies looking at a multidisciplinary team approach to ED patient care in relation to high intensity users and complex presentations showed stronger links with the primary care sector and improved discharge planning (Moss et al 2002, Rea et al 2010.…”