In this episode we speak to Professor Helen Snooks who is Professor of Health Services Research in the Medical School at Swansea University in Wales.

Paper: Implementing emergency admission risk prediction in general practice: a qualitative study

https://doi.org/10.3399/BJGP.2021.0146

UK policy has incentivised use of risk prediction stratification in primary care to reduce emergency hospital admissions, despite lack of evidence about process or effect. In a trial evaluating a risk prediction tool (PRISM) in general practice, our team reported increased emergency and hospital admissions. To understand implementation, we interviewed GPs and Practice Managers who reported using PRISM on a small group of high-risk patients. Although they doubted any impact on care, they said PRISM raised their awareness of highest-risk patient groups, which potentially may affect unplanned hospital attendance and admissions.