{
  "abstract": "In 2022, GIRFT (Getting It Right First Time, an NHS England programme to improve timeliness and quality of care) issued guidance, based on Southampton recommendations on when neurologists should follow-up/discharge patients. These were amended in Southwest London to take into consideration nurse specialists, the use of patient-initiated follow-up and recognised that this was a way of rationing care without evidence. In 2023, evaluation of the practice at Croydon University Hospital (a district general hospital with 6 consultant neurologists), found that for patients with headache/epilepsy, 72.2% and 73.5% matched guidance over a 2 and 6 month period respectively.In 2024 the analysis was repeated using the same methods. 93 and 112 patients were analysed for headache and epilepsy respectively. The adherence to the guidance increased to 83% and 85%.This data illustrates that the consultants were discharging patients according to the guidance prior to the publication of this and have since further integrated the guidance into their practice. Thereby ensuring that clinic capacity is maintained as appropriately as possible. We hope to repeat this study with other trusts in the region to study trends and aid in reflection of practice.anitkunan@nhs.net",
  "authors": [
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Croydon University Hospital"
      ],
      "name": "Nitkunan Arani"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Croydon University Hospital"
      ],
      "name": "Harivardhan Keshav"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Croydon University Hospital"
      ],
      "name": "Collis Dominick"
    }
  ],
  "title": "22 Croydon neurology: re-audit of discharge of headache and epilepsy patients in accordance with GIRFT guidance",
  "uid": "1397e20a-5120-504b-9733-b177720e52a1"
}