Abstract
One million patients with head injuries present to UK hospitals each year. A significant proportion of these patients have ongoing problems and a large number remain disabled at one year. The management of these patients has recently been criticised by a Royal College of Surgeons Working Party Report (published in June 1999). Several recommendations for the care of head injured patients were made.
We have undertaken a study to examine the way these cases are currently dealt with in Welsh hospitals. A large proportion (75%) of these patients in Wales are cared for by non-neurosurgical consultants with the orthopaedic speciality receiving referrals in most hospitals (55%). A questionnaire was sent to these non-neurological consultants looking after head injuries with specific questions on the current care of these patients and for their opinion on the current system.
We have received an excellent response rate (99%) with the results showing that the Working Party recommendation have not been translated into a change in clinical practice. Our study indicates several shortcomings in the current care of these patients in Wales. It also demonstrates that the almost unanimous (98%) view amongst the consultants that responded is that there is a genuine need for change if we are to offer these patients the best care and rehabilitation in the 21st Century.
The abstracts were prepared by Mr Ray Moran. Correspondence should be addressed to him at the Irish Orthopaedic Association, Secretariat, c/o Cappagh Orthopaedic Hospital, Finglas, Dublin
