Can multiple sclerosis nurses help reduce non-elective admissions? An analysis of a service delivery audit

Abstract

Background: It has been identified that nearly one-in-five people with multiple sclerosis (MS) have been admitted to hospital as a non-elective admission in 2018–2019. The average national stay is 7.7 days, at an average cost of £2844. Emergency hospital admissions for people with multiple sclerosis are rising nationally. Method: The authors conducted a 12-month audit of non-elective admissions across two clinical sites, comparing and contrasting the data gathered with national Hospital Episode Statistics. The outcome of the data collection influenced changes in local service delivery. Findings: The most common reasons identified for non-elective admissions related to MS were associated with respiratory issues (4255 admissions), with the most common single cause being urinary tract infections (2960 admissions). Bladder and bowel issues combined also accounted for 3550 admissions in 2018/19. Conclusion: The data identified urinary tract infections and sepsis as the largest presentation of non-elective MS admissions to both trusts. Certain recommendations have been made that will contribute to the improvement of service delivery and better quality care.