"It's been a real eye opener"- experiences of working in a multidisciplinary team

Summary

The video script discusses the transformation of healthcare for the elderly with the introduction of the At Home Service and its multi-disciplinary team. Previously, care was fragmented, and GPs relied on emergency services for patient support. The new integrated service has reduced hospital admissions, providing immediate and holistic care. Staff and patients appreciate the timely and coordinated approach, which has improved patient outcomes and reduced the burden on the NHS. The script highlights the importance of inter-departmental communication and the holistic care approach, which has been a game-changer for healthcare providers and patients alike.

Takeaways

• 🏥 Pre-implementation of the At Home Service, care for the elderly was fragmented and GPs relied heavily on emergency departments for support.
• 🚑 Emergency visits only provide a snapshot of a patient's condition, often failing to address long-term care needs.
• 🩹 The previous system was likened to applying a 'sticky plaster', which is a temporary fix rather than a solution to underlying health issues.
• ⏰ There was a critical need for timely care, with patients requiring assistance within hours, not weeks.
• 🤝 The introduction of a multi-disciplinary team through the At Home Service has led to more coordinated and effective care.
• 🔄 Change in healthcare practices is challenging, but necessary to meet the demands on the NHS and improve patient outcomes.
• 🌱 The team views challenges ('bumps') as opportunities for growth and improvement in their service offerings.
• 👂 Listening to staff feedback is crucial for identifying and resolving issues, leading to a more effective care model.
• 🔄 The team operates without hierarchy, ensuring that all voices are heard and all contributions are valued.
• 🏠 The Home Care team can provide care that allows patients to return home sooner, reducing hospital stays.
• 📉 The service has led to a significant reduction in hospital admissions, indicating its effectiveness in managing patient care outside of hospital settings.
• 🌐 The approach could be beneficial across the NHS, but it requires effective communication between primary and secondary care providers.

Q & A

What was the issue with the healthcare system before the introduction of the At Home Service?

Before the At Home Service was introduced, care was disjointed, and the only way for GPs to get help for their patients was to send them to accident and emergency, which was not an ideal solution.

How does the emergency department view patients who come in for care?

The emergency department sees patients as snapshots of reality, which means they might not get to the underlying problems and only provide temporary fixes.

What was the main challenge for staff before the multi-disciplinary team was established?

Staff felt the need for a service but had no means of accessing it easily and quickly, often leading to delays in care that patients needed within 24 hours.

How has the At Home Service changed the way staff work?

The At Home Service has created a joined-up, multi-disciplinary team that works together, breaking down silos and allowing for more efficient and holistic care.

What was the initial reaction to the change brought by the At Home Service?

Change was difficult, and there was resistance due to the desire to continue with the familiar ways of working. However, the service was seen as a necessary solution to help over 65 patients in the area.

How does the script suggest dealing with challenges or 'bumps' in the process?

The script suggests that challenges or 'bumps' should be embraced as opportunities to learn and improve, with the team thriving on these difficulties to develop better solutions.

What advice does Sarah give for implementing changes in a healthcare setting?

Sarah advises listening to staff and being open to finding problems along the way, as this will help develop a system that works effectively.

How does the script describe the team's approach to patient care meetings?

The script describes a meeting environment without hierarchy, where everyone's input is valued, and the information brought back is key to the patient's journey.

What was Richard's experience with the home care team?

Richard was very ill and didn't want to go to the hospital. He received excellent attention but was eager to get out. The home care team's support was crucial in enabling his discharge and preventing a return to the hospital.

How does the home care team contribute to the patient's recovery process?

The home care team takes patients home and provides care, allowing other specialists like physiotherapists and occupational therapists to continue assessments and therapy in the community.

What impact has the At Home Service had on hospital admissions in Epsom?

The At Home Service has led to a significant reduction in hospital admissions in Epsom, with a 6% decrease and an almost 10-12% reduction in non-elective admissions.

How does Hilary believe the At Home Service could benefit the NHS as a whole?

Hilary suggests that the At Home Service could work across the NHS if primary and secondary care communicate effectively, and she has personally seen the benefits in changing her approach to patient care to a more holistic one.