377 Audit of Barts Health NHS Trust Virtual Fracture Clinic
| Autor: | B Stimler, N Banhidy, M Parducci, G Panagopoulos |
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| Rok vydání: | 2022 |
| Předmět: | |
| Zdroj: | British Journal of Surgery. 109 |
| ISSN: | 1365-2168 0007-1323 |
| Popis: | Aim The British Orthopaedic Association recommends that all patients should be seen in a new fracture clinic within 72 hours of injury. The Virtual Fracture Clinic (VFC) at Barts Health NHS Trust was audited to assess compliance with the BOAST 7 Fracture Clinic Services guidelines, and to identify areas requiring improvement. Method All VFC referrals between 10/05/2021 to 28/05/21 were analysed across the Barts Health NHS Trust. Data was collected on discharge rates, type of injuries seen, inappropriate referrals, time to be seen, and time to further imaging. Results A total of 1,039 patients were reviewed in VFC. 54% included upper limb injuries and 46% lower limb injuries. 51% of patients were discharged following initial VFC review by an orthopaedic consultant. Mean time from injury to VFC review was 2.33 days. Mean time VFC to face-to-face review was 15.17 days, and mean time to advanced imaging was 30 days. 9% of injuries did not match pre-existing injury diagnosis codes (including hand injuries and injuries without enough clinical detail provided). Conclusions This audit of the VFC at Barts Health NHS Trust identified several areas requiring improvement. Waiting times for investigations were often unacceptably long. Inappropriate referrals frequently led to delayed, or otherwise avoidable face-to-face appointments. Following these findings, the Orthopaedic department plans to address these identified weaknesses through means of increased funding and staffing; educational support to A&E staff; and updated VFC protocols. A re-audit will subsequently follow to assess the impact of these interventions. |
| Databáze: | OpenAIRE |
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