Quantitative Assessment of Secondary Hospital Healthcare Utilisation by
Patients with Functional Abdominal Pain.
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.