Challenges and patient outcomes in Chronic Subdural Haematoma at the level of a regional care system. A multi-centre, mixed-methods study from the East of England.

Authors:

Stubbs DJ, Khanna S, Davies BM, Vivian ME, Bashford T, Adatia K, Chen P, Clarkson PJ, McGlennan C, Indurawage L, Patel M, Tyagunenko R, Burnstein R, Menon DK, Hutchinson PJ, Joannides A on behalf of the SENIOR-C team.

Lay summary – Chronic subdural haematoma is a common brain condition in older people, often requiring surgery in a specialist neurosurgical centre. Many patients are then transferred back to local hospitals for ongoing care, but little is known about their outcomes after transfer. This study found that a substantial number of patients had complications or needed extra care after returning to non-specialist hospitals. Staff and patients also highlighted challenges with resources, communication and distance between hospitals. The findings show that improving care for these patients needs a joined-up approach across both specialist and local hospitals.