Transforming outpatient services is a key commitment set out in the NHS Long Term Plan, with particular emphasis on digital solutions to reduce outpatient follow-up (FU) by 25%. This study looks at the potential for removing knee arthroscopy FU by providing a bespoke multimedia report for each individual patient, generated using the Synergy™ Surgeon App (Arthrex) Single District Hospital using a 3 Phase study Phase 1 – Assessment of cost and environmental impact of outpatient follow up appointments Phase 2 – Bench marking of existing pathways and patient experience. Phase 3 – Qualitative assessment of multimedia report feedback of 30 patientsAbstract
Introduction
Methodology
The purpose of this study was to prospectively evaluate the rehabilitation outcome of children following operative and non-operative stabilisation of long bone fractures sustained in conjunction with an acquired brain injury (ABI). Between 1996 and 2002, children up to 16 years of age who were admitted to the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) with an ABI and concomitant tibial or femoral shaft fractures were considered eligible for inclusion. Children who died or were unable to walk before the accident were excluded. All data relating to the sustained injuries, the duration of PICU inpatient stay, the fracture treatment and the functional outcome were collected prospectively. The severity of the injuries was assessed using the Injury Severity Score (ISS) and the Glasgow Coma Score (GCS). The duration of time was taken from admission to reaching rehabilitation milestones; the ability to sit, stand and walk was then assessed. Total duration of hospital inpatient stay and mobility on discharge were also recorded. Operative skeletal stabilisation included external or internal fixation, as well as flexible intramedullary nailing. Statistical analysis was performed using the Mann-Whitney U Test.Purpose
Materials and Methods
Objective: Prior to the appointment of a dedicated paediatric orthopaedic consultant at a tertiary referral centre (Feb 1999) the treatment of long bone fractures in paediatric patients with associated head injuries was predominately conservative. Current practice is now for early surgical stabilisation wherever possible. The aim of the study was to assess whether this change in clinical practice had resulted in any alteration in outcome. Design: A prospective analysis of patients admitted to the paediatric intensive care unit between Feb 1996 and Jan 2002. Setting: Leeds General Infirmary Main outcome measures: Duration of ICU admission and time to independent walking was assessed. Results: A total of 37 patients were included in the study.17 patients were treated conservatively and 19 surgically .A reduction of approximately 30% was observed in ICU stay and time to independent walking was observed in those patients that underwent early surgical stabilisation. Conclusions: Early surgical stabilisation of long bone fractures in head injured children allows quicker rehabilitation
