Dr Foster Intelligence

Quality

Problem: The Trust was applying for Foundation Trust status and needed a way to better manage and use information.
Solution: Using a trio of Dr Foster Intelligence tools, the Trust successfully analysed its local healthcare market and put in place plans for improved communications, services and interaction with patients and the public.
Outcome: In February 2008, the Trust was announced as a Foundation Trust and has since begun to implement its 100 Days plan that takes public its new communications programme and re-launches its website.
Tool: Hospital Marketing Manager, Real Time Monitoring, Practice and Provider Monitor

Problem: Much higher than average readmission rates
Solution: After using Dr Foster Intelligence's Real Time Monitoring to identify that the Trust's readmission rates for fractured neck of femur were much higher than the national average, a trauma care coordinator was appointed to address the problem. The Trust now tracks patients through their recovery pathway, which starts with a care package prepared by clinicians. The care package is ready for the patient on discharge.
Outcome: The relative readmission rate for fractured neck of femur was reduced by 175. The rate fell from 225 to 50, which is well below the national average of 100.
Tool: Real Time Monitoring

Problem: The high cost of emergency admissions
Solution: Emergency admissions were costing the Trust £2.5million a year. It wanted to target patients with chronic conditions in order to reduce avoidable emergency admissions. Using the High-impact User Manager enabled it to quickly identify those people who would benefit from more managed care. Community matrons were then able to offer patients who had previously been high-impact users of secondary care advice on how to better manage their conditions.
Outcome: Eleven community matrons cover an area of more than 70 square miles and a population of nearly 200,000. Patients with chronic conditions can now be easily identified and better managed, and the number of emergency admissions has started to fall
Tool: High-impact User Manager

Problem: Readmission rates for paediatric appendectomies
Solution: When the Trust used Dr Foster's Real Time Monitoring, an alert for paediatric appendectomies was identified and one of the general surgeons realised that several of his cases had been readmitted to have their wounds dressed. As a result, an aftercare programme was set up to give patients and their families direct telephone access to a clinician.
Outcome: A ten per cent reduction in the readmission rate for paediatric appendectomies.
Tool: Real Time Monitoring