Welsh Ambulance Service are using RITA as an appropriate distraction mechanism and therapeutic intervention for more complex individuals when travelling to hospital. There is significant value in ensuring that patients arrive at hospital calmer and less agitated. The feedback received so far has been very encouraging.
It is well documented that complex service users who are admitted into hospital (electively or non-electively), arrive very anxious and distressed. In many cases they can be aggressive and non-compliant, which can frequently lead to unwarranted admissions, particularly from A&E. More complex patients such as those living with Dementia are prone to long stays in hospital and safeguarding incidents, which can then lead to delayed transfers of care.