FP2.3 - Is the Oakland score a reliable tool for safe discharge in lower gastrointestinal bleed patients?

Abstract

Abstract Aim There are no NICE guidelines regarding safe discharge of patients with lower gastrointestinal bleeds (LGIB). The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness and safety of the Oakland score, as suggested by the British Society of Gastroenterology guidelines, in patients presenting with LGIB at William Harvey hospital. Methods Patients with LGIB who presented to A&E or inpatient referral from January to December 2023 were included in this retrospective study. Data was extracted from patient’s Sunrise documentation. The Oakland score for each patient was calculated. Those with a score of ≤8 were deemed safe for discharge; those with a higher score were deemed unsuitable. Patients’ admission, safe discharges and adverse outcomes, such as representation, blood transfusion, or further intervention, were investigated. The area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve (AUROC) for the Oakland score and adverse outcome was calculated. Results 123 patients were included. A total of 144 presentations to hospital, 29 had an Oakland score ≤8; 17 (58.6%) cases were safely discharged, 8 (27.6%) admitted and 4 (13.8%) represented. 115 had a score >8; 37 (32.2%) were safely discharged, 72 (62.6%) admitted and 41 (35.7%) experienced at least one adverse outcome. The AUROC for safe discharge was 0.84. Conclusion The Oakland score seems to be a safe and reliable tool for identifying LGIB patients who could be safely discharged home without hospital intervention. However, further research is required to assess whether a score >8 could be used as many higher risk patients did not experience adverse outcomes.