{"id":6096,"date":"2025-04-16T14:50:24","date_gmt":"2025-04-16T14:50:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/integratedcarejournal.com\/?p=6096"},"modified":"2025-04-16T14:50:24","modified_gmt":"2025-04-16T14:50:24","slug":"data-solutions-to-solve-the-south-wests-patient-discharge-crisis","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/integratedcarejournal.com\/data-solutions-to-solve-the-south-wests-patient-discharge-crisis\/","title":{"rendered":"Data solutions to solve the South West’s patient discharge crisis"},"content":{"rendered":"

Delayed discharges, often known as \u2018bed blocking\u2019, is a serious operational challenge for NHS managers across the country. According to NHS England data,<\/a> in February 2024 there were between 13,200 and 14,200 patients remaining in hospital each day who did not meet the criteria to stay. This accounts for more than one in eight general and acute beds in England.<\/p>\n

While patients are deemed medically fit for discharge, they remain in hospital due to complexities in arranging necessary social care or community nursing support for a safe transition. The knock-on effects are significant, placing immense strain on acute bed capacity and negatively impacting patient flow and their experience.<\/p>\n

The IPACS project: A collaborative, data-driven approach<\/h3>\n

To address the issue, the Improving Patient Flow between Acute, Community, and Social Care (IPACS) project was launched in 2020. This significant three-year initiative received funding from Health Data Research UK (HDRUK), an independent charity focused on using health data research to address major healthcare challenges.<\/p>\n

IPACS brought together a diverse team, combining academic expertise with frontline NHS operational knowledge. Collaborators included the University of Bath, the University of Exeter Medical School, and significantly, the Bristol, North Somerset, and South Gloucestershire (BNSSG) Integrated Care Board (ICB).<\/p>\n

The goal of the project was to develop an open-source computer simulation model capable of analysing the complex dynamics of patient flow. This tool would offer a potential blueprint for healthcare organisations nationwide grappling with delayed discharge pressures.<\/p>\n

Central to the project was the application of Operational Research (OR) techniques \u2013 using advanced analytical models to dissect and solve complex systemic problems. Several team members brought extensive OR experience, with affiliations to The Operational Research Society, demonstrating the project’s robust methodological foundation aimed at enhancing healthcare efficiency.<\/p>\n

A multidisciplinary team driving innovation<\/h3>\n

The success of IPACS hinged on its multidisciplinary collaboration. BNSSG ICB\u2019s Head of Modelling and Analytics, Dr Richard Wood, and University of Bath Research Fellow Dr Paul Forte provided essential insights into real-world healthcare operations and ensured the project outputs were relevant and accessible to NHS decision-makers.<\/p>\n

Academic leadership came from Professor Christos Vasilakis (founding director of the Centre for Healthcare Innovation and Improvement – CHI\u00b2) and Dr Zehra Onen Dumlu at the University of Bath, working alongside Professor Martin Pitt and Dr Alison Harper from the University of Exeter Medical School. This combined team undertook the intricate task of designing, developing, and validating the simulation framework.<\/p>\n

Focusing on the critical ‘Discharge to Assess’ service<\/h3>\n

A key focus for the IPACS project was the transition of patients from acute settings into community care, specifically via the \u2018Discharge to Assess\u2019 (D2A) service. Optimising this service is key to improving hospital throughput. The project modelled the three core D2A pathways:<\/p>\n