Greater numbers of homeless people drive increased demand in acute settings
Economic and social factors combine to produce an increase in the number of high-dependency individuals, especially vulnerable adults (homeless drug-and alcohol-related problems, mental health problems), puts pressures on AMUs. The high-dependency individuals are unable to get access to preventable or community services and become frequent attendees. This often results in admission and readmission to AMUs. This rise in demand for acute services adds to the strain that already exists.
Proposed workforce impact
- There is increased demand in acute services.
- There is an increased need for integrated work between AMUs and social services.
Sources or references
- www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/ae-imp-plan.pdf
- www2.rgu.ac.uk/publicpolicy/introduction/health.htm
- www.crisis.org.uk/data/.../HomelessnessMonitor_England_2012_WEB.pdf
Additional research questions
- Would AMU staff need extra training to deal with these particular patients?
Some of the information in this section is provided by stakeholders and expert groups, and does not necessarily represent the views of the CfWI.
