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Quantitative Assessment of Secondary Hospital Healthcare Utilisation by Patients with Functional Abdominal Pain.
  • +2
  • Emma MacVicar,
  • Pauline Insch,
  • Fiona Summers,
  • Duff Bruce,
  • George Ramsay
Emma MacVicar
University of Aberdeen
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Pauline Insch
NHS Grampian
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Fiona Summers
NHS Grampian
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Duff Bruce
NHS Grampian
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George Ramsay
NHS Grampian

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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Abstract

Rationale, Aims and Objectives There is an increasing awareness of the impact functional conditions have on patients, staff and healthcare providers. Less is known about the resources currently used to manage these conditions. This retrospective quantitative audit aims to determine the demographic and healthcare utilisation of patients with functional abdominal pain presenting to hospital in a single centre. Methods The most frequent hospital attenders (three or more hospital presentations) with non-specific abdominal pain in NHS Grampian, 2018-2019 were assessed for inclusion. Patients with a functional abdominal pain diagnosis were suitable for inclusion (n=33). Data were retrospectively collected using electronic medical records. Results Of 33 patients, 93.9% of patients were female with a mean age 31.2 years. Each accessed an average of 12 specialist services (between 2011-2019). 70% were referred to mental health services but only 9% completed treatment. There was an average of 5 emergency presentations including 3 admissions to hospital for abdominal pain (total hospital nights = 247) and 19 outpatient appointments in two years. The estimated total cost was £593,786.00. In total 803 imaging investigations were conducted in the timeframe. Conclusion Extensive diagnostic investigations are being carried out for patients with functional abdominal pain at a significant cost to the health service. Patients are re-presenting to hospital frequently which suggests that the current management or treatment of these patients is not effective.