High Intensity Use of Urgent and Emergency Care: A Mixed-Methods Study

Sponsor
Bournemouth University
Study ID
NCT07630012
Status
Not Yet Recruiting

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Conditions

  • Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)
  • Emergency Medicine
  • Health Inequalities
  • High Intensity Use of Urgent and Emergency Care
  • Mental Health

Eligibility Criteria

Sex
ALL
Age
18 Years - N/A
Healthy Volunteers
Accepted

Study Details

This study aims to understand the health and social care needs and experiences of adults who frequently use urgent and emergency care services in Dorset. Using a mixed-methods design, the study combines analysis of non-patient-identifiable business intelligence data with qualitative interviews and co-production activities. The business intelligence data contextualises patterns of high intensity service use and informs participant identification. Qualitative interviews will explore the personal, social and system-level factors that contribute to frequent attendance. Co-production activities with an advisory group, supported by The Lantern Trust in Weymouth, will use these findings to develop a preventative intervention model grounded in lived experience. The study will recruit up to 50 patients, up to 10 carers and up to 20 health and social care professionals. The findings will contribute to the development of more effective, person-centred approaches to supporting people who frequently use urgent and emergency care services and will inform national and local policy in this area.

Key Dates

First listed
Jun 5, 2026
Start date
Sep 1, 2026
Status verified
May 2026
Primary completion
Sep 1, 2028
Completion
Apr 1, 2029

Study Design

Enrollment
80 participants (estimated)

Arms

  • Arm: Patients
    Adults aged 18 or over who experience high intensity use of urgent and emergency care services at University Hospitals Dorset, defined as five or more unplanned contacts within a 12-month period.
  • Arm: Carers
    Adults aged 18 or over who provide unpaid care or support to someone who experiences high intensity use of urgent and emergency care services.
  • Arm: Health and Social Care Professionals
    Description: Health and social care professionals involved in urgent and emergency care pathways at University Hospitals Dorset, Dorset HealthCare, Dorset Council or voluntary sector partner organisations.

Primary Outcome Measure

Health and social care needs and experiences of adults who frequently use urgent and emergency care services in Dorset [ Time Frame: 24 months ]

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