Potentially avoidable tetanus booster in the emergency department: a service evaluation

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Bacteriology
• Public Health

Background:

• Tetanus infection arises from Clostridium tetani entering wounds.
• Emergency department (ED) patients with wounds need risk assessment for tetanus.
• Tetanus prophylaxis is indicated for specific wound types and uncertain immunization histories.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate if ED practices contribute to unnecessary tetanus prophylaxis.
• To identify potentially avoidable tetanus prophylaxis treatments.

Main Methods:

• A five-year retrospective database review was conducted.
• Analysis focused on tetanus prophylaxis treatments administered in an ED.

Main Results:

• 18% of all tetanus prophylaxis treatments during the review period were deemed unnecessary.
• The study identified potential for improved clinical practice.

Conclusions:

• Current ED practices may lead to a significant rate of unnecessary tetanus prophylaxis.
• Recommendations are proposed to optimize tetanus prophylaxis administration and reduce waste.