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Improving emergency department management of paediatric clavicle fractures: a complete audit cycle
A H Matthews1, M Boyd, A R Bott
15th Year Medical Student, Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry, Plymouth, Devon.
Insights
A new protocol for uncomplicated clavicle fractures in children significantly reduced unnecessary clinic visits, from 85% to 17%. This streamlines care and saves resources in busy fracture clinics.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Orthopedics
- Trauma Surgery
- Healthcare Management
Background:
- Uncomplicated clavicle fractures in children often lead to unnecessary fracture clinic appointments.
- Current protocols may result in overutilization of healthcare resources for minor injuries.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of a newly devised protocol for managing uncomplicated pediatric clavicle fractures.
- To determine if the protocol reduces unnecessary clinic attendance and improves resource allocation.
Main Methods:
- A protocol was developed, dividing the clavicle into three zones for assessment.
- Children with uncomplicated middle clavicle fractures and minimal displacement were eligible for discharge with parental advice.
- The study compared clinic attendance rates before and after protocol implementation.
Main Results:
- Implementation of the protocol decreased unnecessary clinic attendance from 85% (47/55) to 17% (4/23).
- The protocol led to significant cost savings for the healthcare trust.
- Reduced patient flow eased pressure on busy fracture clinic staff.
Conclusions:
- The devised protocol is effective in managing uncomplicated pediatric clavicle fractures.
- This approach optimizes fracture clinic efficiency and conserves healthcare resources.
- Adherence to the protocol benefits both patients and healthcare providers by reducing unnecessary visits.
Abstract:
A protocol was devised to address the issue of unnecessary attendance at fracture clinic by children who have a fracture of the clavicle that is deemed to be uncomplicated. For the purposes of this protocol, the clavicle was divided into three zones. Fractures of the middle clavicle for which displacement was minimal, heal quickly in the majority of cases, without the need for follow up. As a result these children can be discharged provided the parents are adequately advised. This article outlines a study which investigated the effectiveness of the protocol. The study found that implementation of the protocol reduced unnecessary attendance at clinic from 85% (47/55) to 17% (4/23). This resulted in cost savings to the trust and reduced the pressure on staff working in busy fracture clinics.
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