How should I manage a patient with mild acute pancreatitis in the community?

Management of a patient with mild acute pancreatitis in the community setting:

• Arrange emergency hospital admission for immediate specialist assessment and management; do not delay admission by arranging blood tests or imaging in primary care.
• Initial hospital management typically includes intravenous fluid resuscitation, analgesia, and nutritional support; these interventions are not feasible in the community setting and require hospital care.
• In the community, provide supportive care by advising the patient to avoid alcohol and smoking, as these can exacerbate pancreatitis.
• Advise the patient on symptoms that require urgent hospital review, such as worsening abdominal pain, fever, vomiting, or signs of systemic illness.
• After hospital discharge with a confirmed diagnosis of acute pancreatitis, offer advice on sources of information and support, including patient leaflets from Guts UK and the NHS.

In summary, mild acute pancreatitis requires hospital admission for diagnosis confirmation and initial management; community management is limited to urgent referral and supportive advice pending hospital care.

References: NICE CKS, NICE NG104