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Orthopaedic nursing challenges in poly-traumatised patient management: A critical analysis of an Orthopaedic and
Carlo Biz1, Lisa Buffon2, Roberto Marin3
1Orthopaedic and Traumatology Clinic, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology (DiSCOG), University of Padua, Padova, Italy; Orthopaedic and Traumatology Clinic, Padua Hospital, Padova, Italy.
Insights
Managing poly-trauma patients requires adherence to care plans and shared decision-making. This study developed an algorithm and flow-chart to improve care in orthopaedic units, aligning with European standards.
Area of Science:
- Orthopaedic Surgery
- Trauma Care
- Patient Management
Background:
- Trauma is a leading cause of death and disability in individuals under 40.
- Effective management of poly-traumatised patients is crucial to reduce mortality and economic impact.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the management of poly-traumatised patients in an Italian Orthopaedic Ward.
- To compare current practices with recent literature and identify areas for improvement.
- To develop a pre-established algorithm and flow-chart for enhanced patient care.
Main Methods:
- A five-step observational and exploratory approach was used.
- Critically analysed the nursing management of 60 multiple trauma patients.
- Data collected from April 2013 to October 2014 in an Orthopaedic Unit.
Main Results:
- Adherence to care plans is essential for effective poly-trauma patient management.
- Shared management involving the medical team, patient, and family/caregiver is beneficial.
- Identified the need for improved protocols within orthopaedic units.
Conclusions:
- Current protocols align with European standards but have room for improvement.
- Developed an algorithm and flow-chart to provide reference values for poly-trauma patient care.
- Recommended tools aid in identifying barriers and facilitators for implementing international guidelines in orthopaedic settings.
Introduction And Background:
Trauma is the most frequent cause of death in people under 40 years old. It is an important problem not only because of the high mortality but also because of the consequential disability that can lead to serious economic consequences.
Study Aims:
This descriptive, comparative study investigates the definitive management of poly-traumatised patients in an Italian Orthopaedic Ward in order to highlight its strengths and weaknesses in comparison with the most recent literature. This has led to the development of a pre-established algorithm for evaluation, preventive care and management of the poly-trauma patient and a flow-chart for improved patient care.
Research Methods:
A five-step observational and exploratory approach was employed in this study which critically analysed the nursing management of 60 multiple trauma patients admitted to our Orthopaedic Unit from April 2013 to October 2014.
Results:
The findings highlight the need for adherence to plans of care, which can be approached by a shared management of poly-trauma patients that involves the medical team, the patient and his family/caregiver.
Discussion:
The protocols and guidelines in use in our Orthopaedic and Trauma Unit are in line with European standards, although there is still margin for improvement. The study has led to the development of an algorithm that allows health professionals to have reference values for the care of polytrauma patients.
Conclusions And Recommendations:
This study demonstrates the use of theoretical and practical tools for the evaluation and management of poly-traumatised patients during their hospital stay. We recommend the use of both proposed tools: the general algorithm and the flow-chart for the management of the poly-trauma patient, as they allow identification of barriers and facilitators related to the implementation of international guidelines, currently well-defined for Emergency Departments but not yet for Orthopaedic Units.
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