High Intensity Use of Urgent and Emergency Care: A Mixed-Methods Study

This study aims to understand the health and social care needs and experiences of adults who frequently use urgent and emergency care services in Dorset. Using a mixed-methods design, the study combines analysis of non-patient-identifiable business intelligence data with qualitative interviews and co-production activities. The business intelligence data contextualises patterns of high intensity service use and informs participant identification. Qualitative interviews will explore the personal, social and system-level factors that contribute to frequent attendance. Co-production activities with an advisory group, supported by The Lantern Trust in Weymouth, will use these findings to develop a preventative intervention model grounded in lived experience. The study will recruit up to 50 patients, up to 10 carers and up to 20 health and social care professionals. The findings will contribute to the development of more effective, person-centred approaches to supporting people who frequently use urgent and emergency care services and will inform national and local policy in this area.

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Key information

Conditions

High Intensity Use of Urgent and Emergency Care Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) Alcohol-Related Disorders Alcoholism Behavior Chemically-Induced Disorders Emergency Medicine Health Inequalities Mental Disorders Mental Health Personal Satisfaction Psychological Well-Being Substance-Related Disorders

Age range

18 year and older

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Observational

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

Adults aged 18 or over who have been identified as experiencing high intensity use of urgent and emergency care services at University Hospitals Dorset, defined as five or more unplanned contacts within a 12-month period Adults aged 18 or over who provide unpaid care or support to someone who experiences high intensity use of urgent and emergency care services Health and social care professionals aged 18 or over involved in urgent and emergency care pathways at University Hospitals Dorset, Dorset HealthCare, Dorset Council or voluntary sector partner organisations Able to provide informed consent Willing to take part in an audio-recorded interview-

Exclusion criteria

Under 18 years of age Unable to provide informed consent Currently experiencing an acute mental health crisis requiring immediate clinical intervention Known history of violence or aggression towards health and social care professionals Currently receiving inpatient treatment at the time of recruitment No direct involvement in urgent and emergency care pathways at the participating organisations (professionals only)

Treatment and study plan

Primary outcomes

Health and social care needs and experiences of adults who frequently use urgent and emergency care services in Dorset

Time frame: 24 months

Assessed through qualitative interviews and analysis of non-patient-identifiable UHD business intelligence data, including identification of personal, social and system-level factors contributing to high intensity use and co-produced recommendations for a preventative intervention model.

Secondary outcomes

Patterns of high intensity use of urgent and emergency care within the UHD population

Time frame: 24 months

Descriptive analysis of non-patient-identifiable UHD business intelligence data including frequency of attendance, directorate and specialty contact and temporal patterns of service use.
Co-produced recommendations for a preventative intervention model

Time frame: 24 months

Recommendations developed through co-production workshops with the Advisory Group, supported by The Lantern Trust, drawing on qualitative findings and participant priorities.
Evidence to inform future service development for people who experience high intensity use of urgent and emergency care

Time frame: 24 months

Synthesis of qualitative and business intelligence data findings to identify opportunities for earlier, more coordinated and person-centred support for people who frequently use urgent and emergency care services.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Bournemouth University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

High Intensity Use of Urgent and Emergency Care: a Mixed-methods Study Exploring Needs, Experiences and Priorities to Co-produce a Preventative Intervention Model

Important dates

Study start: 2026
Primary completion: 2028
Study completion: 2029
First posted: Jun 5, 2026
Registry last updated: Jun 5, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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