Julie Hall
Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, UK
Title: Impact of a mental health care pathway upon length of stay: Case comparison study
Biography
Biography: Julie Hall
Abstract
Background: Integrated Care Pathways (ICPs) are increasingly used to deliver mental health services, yet the evidence base relating to their efficacy is underdeveloped. Existing evidence relating to key outcomes shows mixed results.
Aims: To compare key outcomes (length of stay, readmission rates and follow up within 7 days of discharge) using an ICP with traditional methods of managing the care process.
Method: Two comparable Trusts were chosen, with and without an ICP. A random sample of 200 patients was selected from each, and outcomes were analyzed retrospectively. Samples were analyzed for mediating variables (e.g. method of admission, diagnostic group).
Results: The ICP Trust had a 13.5 day shorter average length of stay. There was no significant difference in rates of readmission or follow up within 7 days of discharge. Differences were found in sample composition, one of which (diagnostic group) was found to have a significant relationship with length of stay.
Conclusions: Whilst there was a difference in length of stay between ICP and non-ICP, this may be attributable to factors other than the ICP. Length of stay has a significant relationship to diagnosis, and standardized ICPs may not be appropriate across a range of diagnoses.