Advanced clinical practitioners' role in reducing readmissions for patients aged over 65 years

Background
Hospital readmission rates in the UK older population present an undeniable pressure to the healthcare system, patients, and their families. The Advanced Clinical Practitioner role (ACP) is one possible solution to alleviate General Practitioners (GPs) pressures within primary care to impact prevention of readmissions.
Aim
To understand GPs perspective of the ACP role to reduce hospital readmission rates for over 65 year olds.
Methods
A qualitative study using Interpretative Phenomenology Approach (IPA) was employed, using purposive sampling to explore perceptions of GPs working within a primary care setting. Three in depth semi-structured interviews were recorded and analysed using the IPA framework.
Results
Three key themes were extracted from the data; 1) Poor communication post hospital discharge. 2) Patient follow-up. 3) The role of the ACP in preventing readmissions.
Conclusion
The GPs in this study recognised the value of the ACP role and their ability to enrich care provided to patients post hospital discharge, which may subsequently impact on reducing hospital readmissions. Although the ACP role was perceived differently across General Practices, findings demonstrate GPs positive reflection of the role with a sense of camaraderie and collaboration between ACPs and GPs.