What is the existing evidence base for adult medical Same Day Emergency Care in UK NHS hospitals? A scoping review

Abstract

Introduction: This scoping review focuses on acute medical Same Day Emergency Care (SDEC), as medical patients represent a significant proportion of emergency admissions in the NHS. Methods: This scoping review has been conducted in accordance with the JBI methodology and as detailed in the published scoping review protocol. Results: Identified papers included two observational cohort studies, four audits, four review articles, two opinion pieces, a paper on potential future developments, three policy documents, one strategy paper and a position statement. Key themes were extrapolated and discussed in a narrative. Conclusions: The scarcity of literature in relation to the quality, safety, and effectiveness of SDEC highlights the need for further study. Therefore, there is a pressing need for SDEC specific research within the UK.

Keywords

• Same day emergency care
• SDEC
• Ambulatory emergency care
• AEC