This mixed methods study incorporated two parts: Part 1 utilised content analysis of semi-structured interviews conducted with health care professionals and EPAC women to evaluate the EPAC structures and processes. Part 2 was an observational study describing characteristics and temporal trends of women presenting to an ED with problems of early pregnancy over a 6-year period. Findings from Part 1 are presented in this paper; results from Part 2 are presented in an ensuing paper.
EPAC structures included the utilisation of a private environment situated within the ED as well as primary care management and delivery from a nurse who had ED experience and advanced pregnancy related knowledge. EPAC processes included appropriate referral and good communication. These processes enabled the delivery of a service between a variety of healthcare providers located within the hospital and community.
The multi-disciplinary, nurse-led, ED based EPAC model of care implemented facilitated continuity of care for a subset of ED patients. It may be useful in EDs elsewhere.