Article Text
Abstract
Liaison neurology (consulting with inpatient ward referrals) is the main way that most patients admitted with neurological disease will access neurology services. Most liaison neurology services are responsive, seeing referrals on request, but they also can be proactive, with a regular neurology presence in the acute medical unit. Fewer than half of hospitals in England have electronic systems, yet these can facilitate the process—allowing electronic responses to advise on investigations before seeing the patient, and arranging follow-up after—as well as prioritising referrals and documenting the process. In this time of COVID-19, there are additional benefits in providing prompt remote advice. Improving the way liaison neurology is delivered can improve patient outcomes and save money by shortening admissions. This hidden work of the neurologists needs to be recorded and recognised.
- SOMATISATION DISORDER
- CLINICAL NEUROLOGY
- HYPERVENTILATION
- NEUROPATHY
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Footnotes
Funding This work is supported by the Getting It Right First Time team of Madeleine Connolly, Anne Osborne, Tim Gustafson, Nick Dunkley and Anthony James. The GIRFT/ABN Census was developed in collaboration with Cath Mummery at the Association of British Neurologists.
Competing interests GNF is a co-editor of Practical Neurology.
Patient consent for publication Not required.
Provenance and peer review Commissioned; externally peer reviewed by Niall Turbridy, Dublin, Republic of Ireland.