Alice Turner, Bella Scantlebury and Yumna Masood are leading a regional evaluation of Acute Respiratory Infection (ARI) Hubs. This is a cross-ARC PSRC initiative evaluating regional respiratory services. This work integrates the evaluation of ARI hubs with ongoing efforts around COPD risk stratification. The findings will directly inform the design and planning of respiratory services by Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) nationally.
Why this research is important:
Acute Respiratory Infections (ARI) are one of the most common reasons for general practice consultations and acute hospital admissions. The unprecedented number of ED attendances in the NHS, is not translating into increases in emergency admissions. This has prompted a policy focus on solutions to UEC recovery that promote community-based approaches to supporting lower-acuity patients who present to emergency services. In 2024, NHS England recommended the implementation of the ARI model, which represents the latest nationally-directed, community-based approach to recover UEC services in England. In this project, we will address this national priority area, by evaluating the impact of introducing an Acute Respiratory Infection (ARI) hub on patient care, clinical outcomes, the workforce and wider urgent and emergency care system in Birmingham and Solihull Integrated Care System (ICS).
What we plan to do:
We will conduct a mixed methods study consisting of two inter-linked work packages and community engagement. We will conduct an observational analysis of routinely collected data to evaluate the impact of the ARI hub on clinical outcomes for the local UEC system. Data will consist of routine data from the ambulance service, primary care, emergency departments and locality hubs within the Birmingham and Solihull ICB
We will also conduct semi-structured interviews with local and regional service leaders and key UEC staff. We will supplement interview data with relevant local and regional policy and procedural documents, pertaining to the implementation and adoption of the ARI hub model locally.
How this research will help:
By the end of the project we will have obtained a detailed understanding of how ARI-hubs influence clinical outcomes, patient care, the work force and wider UEC system in Birmingham and Solihull ICB. Findings will be used to identify the aspects of the BSol ICB could be used as a national exemplar for reducing respiratory-related demand on UEC services and to drive local service improvement.