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Hospital discharge delays are a significant challenge facing healthcare systems across the UK. As patients await assessments and care packages, hospital beds remain occupied, causing delays in moving patients through the hospital system. However, trusted assessors provide a solution to this problem, by playing a crucial role in streamlining the discharge process and getting patients home faster.
What are trusted assessors?
Trusted assessors are specifically trained professionals who conduct comprehensive assessments of the patient’s needs and living situation. They can provide a holistic evaluation, covering both health and social care needs, eliminating the need for the involvement of multiple specialists.
The benefits of Trusted Assessors in hospital discharge.
Faster assessments – Trusted assessors reduce delays caused by waiting for multiple specialists to assess a patient, accelerating safe discharges from hospitals.
Holistic approach – By being able to evaluate both health and social needs, trusted assessors ensure a more comprehensive discharge plan that takes account of all aspects of the patient's wellbeing.
Better communication – By acting as one point of contact, trusted assessors allow for improved communication between hospital staff, patients, families and care providers.
Prevention of re-admissions - Through detailed home assessments and appropriate equipment provision, trusted assessors help reduce the risk of incidents that could lead to hospital re-admissions.
The evidence
The trusted assessor concept was piloted in Lincolnshire in 2015, where a care home trusted assessor role was created to address delays caused by waiting for care homes to complete assessments in hospital. This pilot, initiated by the Lincolnshire Care Association and based within the hospital discharge hub, aimed to undertake assessments for care homes, ensure correct documentation, and liaise between parties to streamline discharges. In its first full year, the Lincolnshire service was reported to have completed 340 assessments and supported 304 discharges.
According to the Registered Care Providers Association (RCPA), evidence from other areas, like Somerset, also indicates the scheme's success. The Somerset Trusted Assessor service, employed independently via the RCPA, has expanded due to its positive impact. It has proven effective in reducing hospital discharge delays and ensuring safe, accurate transitions to care homes, providing vital support, particularly highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Although the above examples are positive, it’s important to note the effectiveness of trusted assessors can vary depending on local implementation and other factors affecting hospital discharge processes. Training and certification, clear communication with existing teams and ongoing support are all crucial for successful implementation.
Trusted assessors represent a valuable opportunity to improve hospital discharge processes, reduce delays, and enhance patient care. As healthcare systems continue to face pressure to improve efficiency and patient flow, the adoption of trusted assessor models offer a promising solution to cut discharge times and enhance the overall quality of care transitions.
Living Made Easy offer a full range of accredited trusted assessor models, from levels one to four, including a specialised paediatric model for those caring for young people. For more information click here to view our brochure, or email training@livingmadeeasy.org.
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