British out‐of‐hours primary and community care: a review of the literature

Abstract

Analysis not only underlines service problems and tensions noted previously but also generates new insights, which cannot be ignored if services are to be developed. Consequently, several recommendations are made.

Out-of-hours primary care services: Demands and patient referral patterns in a Veneto region (Italy) Local Health Authority

“…In our sample, women sought OOH care more frequently than men. This finding is consistent with other studies [10,20,32] reporting that women tended to contact OOH primary care services whereas men tended to go straight to an ED [22,33].…”

“…Be that as it may, the real consistency between studies on OOH demand is an issue that needs to be addressed. Other researchers [22] have called for a more consistent data collection, using preset categories, as a way to strengthen the information obtained in order to help managers and practitioners assess and adapt their services. Differences in health care systems and approaches to OOH care in different countries may make it difficult to attempt any strict comparisons, The reasons for access were grouped into main diagnostic categories, some of which were collapsed by system (nervous system; eye; ear, nose, mouth and throat; respiratory system; circulatory system; digestive system and hepatobiliary system and pancreas; musculoskeletal system and connective tissue; skin and burns; endocrine, nutritional and metabolic system; kidney and urinary tract and male reproductive system; female reproductive system and pregnancy; blood and blood-forming organs, and immunological disorders and myeloproliferative disorders; infectious and parasitic disorders and human immunodeficiency virus infection; mental diseases and disorders, and alcohol/drug use, or induced mental disorders; injuries and poisoning, and toxic effects of drugs and multiple significant trauma).…”

Reconfiguring the emergency and urgent care workforce: Mixed methods study of skills and the everyday work of non-clinical call-handlers in the NHS

“…Demand for emergency and urgent care health services in the UK continues to rise. 1,2 Calls to the national 999 ambulance service increased by 3.56 million (42%) between 2002 and 2012. 1 The fragmented nature of urgent care provision makes it difficult to assess demand but Richards et al (2008) reported a 26% increase in out-of-hours calls following the introduction of the new general medical services contract in 2004 (an agreement between general practices and primary care trusts (PCTs)).…”

“…Demand for emergency and urgent care health services in the UK continues to rise. 1,2 Calls to the national 999 ambulance service increased by 3.56 million (42%) between 2002 and 2012. 1 The fragmented nature of urgent care provision makes it difficult to assess demand but Richards et al .…”

The work, workforce, technology and organisational implications of the ‘111’ single point of access telephone number for urgent (non-emergency) care: a mixed-methods case study

“…This explored the technologies underpinning the service and the complex sociotechnical interactions required to bring them into use, including configuration and use of these technologies. 4. What is the organisational context of NHS 111?…”