Miss Lauren Coghlan1, Mr Jaisto Joseph1, Ms Lara Kimmell1
1Alfred Health, Melbourne, Australia
Biography:
Lauren is a Social Worker who works within ICU and Trauma at the Alfred Hospital.
Abstract:
Introduction:
Significant mental health issues are seen in up to 58.7% of hospitalised patients, and in 40.2% and 23.5% at three and six months post-discharge respectively1.
The aim of this study was to expand on work from 2023, to streamline social work referrals for trauma patients reporting anxiety on admission, and target those willing to accept social work intervention.
Method:
For one year from February 2024, patient self-reported EQ5D was collected on admission to The Alfred trauma ward. Patients reporting ≥moderate anxiety were provided the option of a social work review. Social work intervention was tailored to those most in need. Demographic data were collected, and discharge EQ5D anxiety scores were compared with those on admission. Factors associated with improvement in anxiety were reviewed.
Results:
1779 patients completed an EQ5D on trauma ward admission, 354 (20%) reported moderate/severe anxiety, with 195 (55%) of these patients reporting pre-morbid anxiety. Following targeted intervention, 259/354 (73%) patients completed the EQ5D on discharge and nearly half [127 (49%)] reported nil/mild anxiety. Taking into account age, sex and premorbid anxiety, having an ICU stay was associated with improved results in anxiety (AOR 2.12 95%CI 1.03-4.37 p value 0.041) from ward admission to discharge.
Conclusion:
Social work referrals targeting patients reporting ≥moderate anxiety on admission and clarifying their perception of readiness to engage with social work may improve patient and hospital outcomes. The association between improvement in anxiety and ICU stay is promising, as previous research has shown poor long term mental health in this cohort.