An audit, literature review and quality improvement project regarding post-operative aftercare of facial lacerations in children
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Authors
Bilkhoo, S K
Malik, H
Chadha, A
Mirza, T
Issue Date
2022
Type
Scientific Paper
Language
Keywords
Research Subject Categories::MEDICINE::Surgery::Surgical research::Pediatric surgery
Alternative Title
Abstract
Abstract
Aims & objectives
To evaluate the communication of post-procedural instructions following repair of paediatric facial lacerations and design a post-procedural informative package to streamline and improve patients’ post-operative care.
Methods
1. Quantitative analysis of clinical records of 50 patients who underwent facial laceration repair, to evaluate clinical documentation 2. Informal survey of OMFS staff regarding perceived shortcomings of communicating post-procedural instructions to these patients’ parents 3. Literature review on post-procedure instructions after facial laceration repair.
Results
34% of clinical records had no mention of post-operative instructions given to patient’s parents. 38% had a non-specific mention: “post-operative instructions given”. Specific instructions were recorded as given in between 16-43% of clinical notes.
Discussion
These shortcomings were exacerbated by an increase in cases during lockdown and the timing of presentation- majority ‘out of hours’. We designed and implemented a pack to address this - an evidence-based patient information leaflet with an analgesic (Calpol), in collaboration with the hospital pharmacy and Patient Experience team. We noted, importantly, that routine use of Chloramphenicol is not endorsed by NICE.
Conclusion
This audit highlighted the importance of heterogeneity of post-procedural instructions and documentation. Our simple intervention eases DCT burden, streamlines care and improves patient outcomes.
Description
Citation
Simran Kaur Bilkhoo, Hafsa Malik, Ambika Chadha, Tahir Mirza, An audit, literature review and quality improvement project regarding post-operative aftercare of facial lacerations in children, Advances in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Volume 6, 2022, 100261, ISSN 2667-1476, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.adoms.2022.100261.