A new research project has explored the reasons why people attend Basildon Hospital’s Emergency Department (ED) for conditions that may be better supported through other healthcare services in the community.
The research was led by Jenny Garrett, Senior Anchor Project Manager at Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust, in partnership with Anglia Ruskin University and supported by the NIHR Applied Research Collaboration East of England.
The project combined analysis of Emergency Department data with community listening sessions to better understand the barriers, behaviours and experiences that influence why people choose to attend ED services.
What the research found
The research identified that many avoidable attendances are linked to wider issues such as:
- Difficulty accessing primary care services
- Digital exclusion and challenges using online systems
- Health anxiety and misinformation
- Poor transport links during evenings and weekends
- A lack of awareness about alternative healthcare services
- A need for reassurance and trusted advice
Community feedback also highlighted strong trust in pharmacists and local community-based health services, particularly where support was easy to access and provided in familiar settings.
Analysis of Basildon Hospital Emergency Department data identified common reasons for avoidable attendances, including:
- Minor injuries
- Ear, nose and throat conditions
- Gastrointestinal complaints
- Anxiety and panic symptoms
- Dental problems
- Minor skin conditions
The report estimates that redirecting just 10% of identified avoidable attendances to more appropriate services could save around £1.275 million.
Recommendations
The report makes a number of recommendations to help reduce avoidable Emergency Department attendances, including:
- Providing clearer information about where people can go for help
- Strengthening community pharmacy services
- Offering more face-to-face support to help people access digital NHS services
- Developing easier-to-access community alternatives for urgent but non-emergency care
- Improving communication and visibility around changes being made in response to public feedback
The research also highlights the important role of community organisations, local services and anchor institutions in supporting prevention, improving health literacy and helping people access the right care in the right place.
Read the full report
Community Insights into Avoidable ED Attendances for Anchor Institutions (1MB pdf)