We present a complete audit cycle of Emergency Department management of paediatric clavicle fractures at Derriford Hospital. Local guidelines divide the clavicle into three zones. Fractures with minimal displacement in the middle 3/5th heal in the majority of cases without complication and can be discharged without need for follow up, provided parents are adequately educated. An initial audit cycle of 63 cases identified short comings in adherence to the guidelines. These included: Unnecessary fracture clinic follow up of ‘Zone 2’ fractures in 85% and omission of written advice in 86%. The results were circulated, ‘aide memoir’ icons were added to the department's computer coding system, staff teaching sessions were organised and a patient advice sheet was produced. Following the implementation of changes, a 23 case re-audit showed fewer unnecessary referrals to fracture clinic (17% vs. 85%) and improvements in the number of parents being given written advice (43% vs. 14%). Staff training, provision of information leaflets and changes to the ED coding system dramatically improved the adherence to hospital guidance. This resulted in standardisation of care, fewer unnecessary appointments and cost savings to the trust. Following this audit, a telephone survey was completed to assess parent's satisfaction with their treatment.
We present a complete audit cycle of Emergency Department (ED) management of paediatric buckle fractures of the distal radius at Derriford Hospital. Local hospital management guidelines state that the limb should be supported in a wrist splint for 3 weeks following injury and, provided parents are adequately educated, no formal follow-up is required. Auditable standards were obtained from the local guidance. An initial audit cycle of 54 cases identified shortcomings in compliance with guidelines. These included: Inappropriate immobilisation in 34 (63%) cases, omission of written advice in 35 (65%) cases and arrangement of unnecessary follow-up in 31 (57%) cases. Following circulation of the results, ‘aide-memoir’ icons were added to the emergency department computer coding system, teaching sessions for emergency department staff were organised and new paediatric specific wrist splints were introduced. A re-audit of 33 patients evaluated the effect of the changes. This demonstrated a 27% improvement in correct wrist support usage (27/33, 82%) and 25% fewer unnecessary referrals to fracture clinic (27/33, 82%). Staff training and provision of appropriate wrist splints were crucial to improving the adherence to guidance. This resulted in standardisation of care, fewer unnecessary appointments for patients and cost savings to the hospital trust.
