New funding set to improve discharge of pancreatitis patients

Birmingham researchers have won funding to develop recommendations to save acute pancreatitis patients returning to hospital and find ways to support patients following discharge, including long-term conditions such as mental health and diabetes, and reduce health service use.

Acute pancreatitis is a common condition leading to approximately 40,000 people being admitted to hospitals each year in the UK. This inflammation of the pancreas causes symptoms including pain, nausea and vomiting, and severe cases of the condition can be life-threatening. Currently, recommendations for post-discharge support are limited, and around 10% of patients will be readmitted within 30 days.

After being discharged from hospital, some patients continue to have health issues because their pancreas struggles to digest food or manage blood sugar. Half of those affected by acute pancreatitis may be at risk of developing mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression.

The PANORAMA project led by surgeon and researcher Matthew Lee, expands the University of Birmingham’s extensive National Institute of Health and Social Care Research (NIHR) funded portfolio to the value of almost £1million and will run for the next three years. He said: “Patients tell us that they feel left on their own after hospital discharge following pancreatitis. This work will help us figure out we can better manage follow up, and help people to look after themselves in the community.”

Lee and team will produce high quality evidence about the accessibility, acceptability, and costs of support, care and treatments in current post-hospital pathways for people with acute pancreatitis. In a series of surveys, interviews and workshops, bringing together patients and healthcare professionals, they will determine recommendations for changes to current pathways.

The need for research in this area was highlighted by the James Lind Alliance and the study has been designed by patients, nurses, primary care and hospital doctors, as well as experts in health service research.

It is hoped the recommendations will benefit acute pancreatitis patients, families and lead to savings for the health service.

Matthew is a Clinician Scientist with the University of Birmingham, and is also an Honorary Consultant Colorectal Surgeon at University Hospitals Birmingham – both founding members of BHP.