scholarly journals 191 Improving Consent and Legibility in Orthopaedic Surgery Through Introducing Pre-Populated Stickers

2021 ◽  
Vol 108 (Supplement_6) ◽  
Author(s):  
L Le Blevec ◽  
K Daga ◽  
X Sara ◽  
A Singh ◽  
S Javed ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Orthopaedic Surgery ◽  
Human Error ◽  
District General Hospital ◽  
Time Constraints ◽  
Consent Forms ◽  
Error Limit ◽  
Patient Dissatisfaction ◽  
Previous Cycle ◽  
The Uk ◽  
British Orthopaedic Association

Abstract Aim Incomplete informed consent can lead to patient dissatisfaction and litigation.1 Time constraints, legibility, human error, limit completion of consent forms, putting surgeons and trusts at risk of litigation.2 The aim of this project was to assess legibility and completeness of handwritten consent forms, with the objective to improve legibility to 100% and risks listed to 100% of those endorsed by the British Orthopaedic Association (BOA).3 Method An initial baseline study in multiple hospitals across the UK identified 113 patients who underwent hemiarthroplasties. The consent forms were assessed for legibility and risks included, compared to those listed by the BOA. Pre-populated risks stickers were introduced in 1 district general hospital (DGH) and 2 cycles repeated again (62 patients identified). Results Overall, 35% of consent forms 1 were illegible; 100% of the time in the risks section. Mean number of risks missing was 2.34 and most frequently missed risk was ‘death’ (missing on 35.5% of consent forms). In the DGH that introduced stickers, consent forms were 100% legible and 100% compliant to the standards set by the BOA when the stickers were used. However, sticker use remained low; only used 20% of the time in the second cycle, marginally increased from the previous cycle (18%). Conclusions A high proportion of consent forms are not completed to BOA standards and are illegible. Pre-populated stickers could aid in achieving 100% legibility and 100% risk inclusion. The stickers will be implemented in other trusts and methods to increase compliance with sticker use will be trialled.

scholarly journals Assessing the adequacy of procedure-specific consent forms in orthopaedic surgery against current methods of operative consent

2010 ◽  
Vol 92 (3) ◽  
pp. 246-249 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew W Barritt ◽  
Laura Clark ◽  
Victoria Teoh ◽  
Adam MM Cohen ◽  
Paul A Gibb
Keyword(s):  
Total Knee Replacement ◽  
Knee Replacement ◽  
Orthopaedic Surgery ◽  
Knee Arthroscopy ◽  
Information Provision ◽  
Prospective Audit ◽  
Consent Forms ◽  
Total Knee ◽  
Audit Cycle ◽  
British Orthopaedic Association

INTRODUCTION This is an audit of patient understanding following their consent for orthopaedic procedures and uses information on new Orthoconsent forms endorsed by the British Orthopaedic Association as the set standard. The objectives were to: (i) assess whether patients& understanding of knee arthroscopy (KA) and total knee replacement (TKR) at the point of confirming their consent reaches the set standard; and (ii) to ascertain whether issuing procedure-specific Orthoconsent forms to patients can improve this understanding. SUBJECTS AND METHODS This was a prospective audit using questionnaires consisting of 26 (for KA) or 35 (for TKR) questions based on the appropriate Orthoconsent form in a department of orthopaedic surgery within a UK hospital. Participants were 100 patients undergoing KA and 60 patients undergoing TKR between February and July 2008. Participants were identified from sequential operating lists and all had capacity to give consent. During the first audit cycle, consent was discussed with the patient and documented on standard yellow NHS Trust approved generic consent forms. During the second audit cycle, patients were additionally supplied with the appropriate procedure-specific consent form downloaded from < www.orthoconsent.com > which they were required to read at home and sign on the morning of surgery. RESULTS Knee arthroscopy patients consented with only the standard yellow forms scored an average of 56.7%, rising to 80.5% with use of Orthoconsent forms. Similarly, total knee replacement patients& averages rose from 57.6% to 81.6%. CONCLUSIONS Providing patients with an Orthoconsent form significantly improves knowledge of their planned procedure as well as constituting a more robust means of information provision and consent documentation.

The impact of the novel coronavirus on trauma and orthopaedics in the UK

2020 ◽  
Vol 81 (4) ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Catrin Morgan ◽  
Aashish K Ahluwalia ◽  
Arash Aframian ◽  
Lily Li ◽  
Stephen Ng Man Sun
Keyword(s):  
Orthopaedic Surgery ◽  
Musculoskeletal Injury ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Front Line ◽  
Orthopaedic Patients ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
Injury Burden ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Impact ◽  
British Orthopaedic Association

At first glance, the novel coronavirus pandemic and orthopaedic surgery appear separate entities. Orthopaedic surgeons are not generally considered front-line staff in terms of the treatment of the disease that the novel coronavirus causes compared with anaesthetic and medical colleagues. However, the impact that the novel coronavirus is likely to have on the musculoskeletal injury burden and the morbidity associated with chronic musculoskeletal disease is significant. This article summarises the strategies currently being developed for the remodelling of orthopaedic services in the UK and the emergency British Orthopaedic Association Standards for Trauma and Orthopaedic guidelines released on 24 March 2020 in managing urgent orthopaedic patients during the novel coronavirus pandemic.

scholarly journals 672 Emergency Laparotomy Patients: Is the Current Local Consent Process Compliant with Local and National Guidelines?

2021 ◽  
Vol 108 (Supplement_6) ◽  
Author(s):  
M Barghash ◽  
J Rehman ◽  
F Salimi ◽  
M Mansour
Keyword(s):  
District General Hospital ◽  
The Other ◽  
Emergency Laparotomy ◽  
National Guidelines ◽  
Consent Forms ◽  
Surgical Practice ◽  
Patient Demographics ◽  
Retrospective Audit ◽  
Valid Consent ◽  
The Uk

Abstract Aim Obtaining valid consent is crucial to patient care. It also minimises the chance for claims regarding legal action for battery, breach of human rights and/or successful clinical negligence claims. In this project, we assessed whether a documented discussion took place prior to signing consent forms and whether consent forms were being completed adequately. Method This was a retrospective audit based on the Royal College of Surgeons’ (Good Surgical Practice) guidelines and the local trust policy. We assessed 50 case notes of patients who had a laparotomy from January 2019 to April 2020 in a busy district general hospital in the UK. Results We noted that our practice was fully compliant with documenting patient demographics, signatures, and the name of the procedure in consent forms. On the other hand, we found that, in the majority of cases there was no documentation of detailed benefits, risks, alternatives of surgery in case notes where compliance was only 21%. In addition, poor compliance was noted in documenting some of the possible risks e.g., hernia (50% compliance), leak (46% compliance) and ileus (26% compliance). Conclusions A detailed discussion with the patient and family including benefits, risks and alternatives of surgery should take place and this should be documented clearly in the case notes prior to signing the consent form.

scholarly journals Trends in orthopaedic antimicrobial prophylaxis in the UK between 2005 and 2011

2013 ◽  
Vol 95 (7) ◽  
pp. 495-502 ◽  
Author(s):  
RS Aujla ◽  
DJ Bryson ◽  
A Gulihar ◽  
GJ Taylor
Keyword(s):  
Orthopaedic Surgery ◽  
Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus ◽  
Elective Surgery ◽  
Antimicrobial Prophylaxis ◽  
Trauma Surgery ◽  
Surgical Site Infections ◽  
Freedom Of Information ◽  
Infection Rates ◽  
Freedom Of Information Act ◽  
The Uk

Introduction Antimicrobial prophylaxis remains the most powerful tool used to reduce infection rates in orthopaedics but the choice of antibiotic is complex. The aim of this study was to examine trends in antimicrobial prophylaxis in orthopaedic surgery involving the insertion of metalwork between 2005 and 2011. Methods Two questionnaires (one in 2008 and one in 2011) were sent to all National Health Service trusts in the UK using the Freedom of Information Act. Results In total, 87% of trusts that perform orthopaedic surgery responded. The use of cefuroxime more than halved between 2005 and 2011 from 80% to 36% and 78% to 26% in elective surgery and trauma surgery respectively. Combination therapy with flucloxacillin and gentamicin rose from 1% to 32% in elective and 1% to 34% in trauma surgery. Other increasingly popular regimes include teicoplanin and gentamicin (1% to 10% in elective, 1% to 6% in trauma) and co-amoxiclav (3% to 8% in elective, 4% to 14% in trauma). The majority of changes occurred between 2008 and 2010. Over half (56%) of the trusts stated that Clostridium difficile was the main reason for changing regimes. Conclusions In 2008 a systematic review involving 11,343 participants failed to show a difference in surgical site infections when comparing different antimicrobial prophylaxis regimes in orthopaedic surgery. Concerns over C difficile and methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus have influenced antimicrobial regimes in both trauma and elective surgery. Teicoplanin would be an appropriate choice for antimicrobial prophylaxis in both trauma and elective units but this is not reflected in its current level of popularity.

scholarly journals Day case laparoscopic cholecystectomy: Identifying patients for a ‘COVID-Cold’ isolated day-case unit during the pandemic

2021 ◽  
pp. 175045892097741
Author(s):  
Zoe Hinchcliffe ◽  
Imran Mohamed ◽  
Anil Lala
Keyword(s):  
Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy ◽  
General Hospital ◽  
Univariate Analysis ◽  
District General Hospital ◽  
Day Case ◽  
Patient Factors ◽  
Surgical Services ◽  
North Wales ◽  
Selection For ◽  
The Uk

Background The UK practice of laparoscopic cholecystectomy has reduced during the COVID-19 pandemic due to cancellation of non-urgent operations. Isolated day-case units have been recommended as ‘COVID-cold’ operating sites to resume surgical procedures. This study aims to identify patients suitable for day case laparoscopic cholecystectomy (DCLC) at isolated units by investigating patient factors and unexpected admission. Method Retrospective analysis of 327 patients undergoing DCLC between January and December 2018 at Ysbyty Gwynedd (District General Hospital; YG) and Llandudno General Hospital (isolated unit; LLGH), North Wales, UK. Results The results showed that 100% of DCLCs in LLGH were successful; 71.4% of elective DCLCs were successful at YG. Increasing age ( p = 0.004), BMI ( p = 0.01), ASA Score ( p = 0.006), previous ERCP ( p = 0.05), imaging suggesting cholecystitis ( p = 0.003) and thick-walled gallbladder ( p = 0.04) were significantly associated with failed DCLC on univariate analysis. Factors retaining significance (OR, 95% CI) after multiple regression include BMI (1.82, 1.05–3.16; p = 0.034), imaging suggesting cholecystitis (4.42, 1.72–11.38; p = 0.002) and previous ERCP (5.25, 1.53–18.00; p = 0.008). Postoperative complications are comparable in BMI <35kg/m2 and 35–39.9kg/m2. Conclusions Current patient selection for isolated day unit is effective in ensuring safe discharge and could be further developed with greater consideration for patients with BMI 35–39.9kg/m2. As surgical services return, this helps identify patients suitable for laparoscopic cholecystectomy at isolated COVID-free day units.

Reversing the Friday peak in metastatic cord compression referrals: Not as simple as previously thought?

2021 ◽  
Vol 39 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. e14050-e14050
Author(s):  
Olusola Michael Adeleke ◽  
Rubyyat A Hakim ◽  
Laurence Dean ◽  
Huma Zahid ◽  
Rongyu Lin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Goodness Of Fit ◽  
Single Point ◽  
District General Hospital ◽  
Cord Compression ◽  
Radiology Reporting ◽  
Goodness Of Fit Test ◽  
Tertiary Centre ◽  
Chi Squared ◽  
Early Case ◽  
The Uk

e14050 Background: Historically, metastatic spinal cord compression (MSCC) referrals trend towards a Friday peak in incidence (Koiter E, Radioth Onc 2013). However, data from a single, tertiary centre in the UK showed a reversal in the Friday peak (Adeleke S, Annals of Oncology 2020). This was attributed to early case referrals and quicker treatment decisions. In this new study, we explored whether a similar pattern was apparent in multiple district general hospital (DGH) settings and attempt to identify underlying causes. DGHs manage a larger proportion of cancer patients in the UK. Methods: 1,069 patients between 1 Jan 2015 and 31 Dec 2020 were identified across 4 hospitals in Kent, UK with a population of 1.6 million people. 220, 181, 182, 159, 134 and 193 MSCC patients were identified annually (2015-2020). Commonest cancers were prostate (24.1%), lung (19.3%) and breast (12.3%). Thoracic and lumbar regions constituted 80% of MSCC sites. Kruskal Wallis was used to compare differences in referrals across weekdays. Data was then dichotomised to Fridays only vs. other days of the week combined, as previously reported (De Bono B, Acta Neurochir 2019). Chi squared was used to compare frequency of referrals between the two groups. Chi squared goodness of fit test was conducted to detect if Friday reflected the day with highest referrals across the week. Results: Across the region, 2015 saw the highest number of Friday referrals relative to other days, p= 0.002. Friday referrals continued to drop, year on year, until 2018 with a corresponding increase in mid-week referrals. After 2018, there was a return in trend to a further Friday peak across the region, though p= 0.836. On an individual hospital basis, the persistent Friday peak in the region was driven by two hospitals. Having a 7-day acute oncology service (AOS), 7-day radiology reporting and single referral point of contact in the department, were factors identified that kept the referrals across the week uniform. On another note, a substantial shift towards a single 8Gy fraction vs. 20Gy in 5 fractions was observed across the region. This change coincided with SCORAD III data (Hoskin P, ASCO 2017) and demonstrates adherence to evidence-based practice in the region. Conclusions: This large multi-centre retrospective study shows a differential referral pattern in the region, with hospitals with 7-day AOS/Radiology reporting and single point of referral (e.g, similar to MSCC coordinator role) having a quicker treatment turnaround and uniform referrals across the week. The MSCC coordinator has been shown to streamline service, ensure timely decision-making and improved survival outcomes (Richards L, Spine J 2017). The role is recommended by NICE UK. DGHs should consider appointing an MSCC coordinator when designing/auditing their service. The shift towards single 8Gy fraction can provide a ‘one-stop’ service where patients are scanned, planned and treated on the same day.

scholarly journals General Paediatric Surgical Provision of Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy in a District General Hospital – A 12-Year Experience

2009 ◽  
Vol 91 (5) ◽  
pp. 404-409 ◽  
Author(s):  
T Sathesh-Kumar ◽  
Hazel Rollins ◽  
Sarah Cheslyn-Curtis
Keyword(s):  
General Hospital ◽  
Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy ◽  
District General Hospital ◽  
Late Complications ◽  
General Anaesthetic ◽  
Paediatric Surgery ◽  
Number Of Children ◽  
Endoscopic Gastrostomy ◽  
Local Access ◽  
The Uk

INTRODUCTION A small, but significant, number of children require long-term nutritional support. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of providing a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) service for children in a district general hospital and to raise awareness of the suitability of the procedure to be performed on paediatric surgery lists in similar hospitals across the UK. PATIENTS AND METHODS A multidisciplinary paediatric nutrition team was established and all children accepted for PEG insertion between 1995 and 2007 were entered onto a database prospectively and are included in this study. PEG tubes were inserted by the standard pull-through technique under general anaesthetic. RESULTS A total of 172 procedures were performed in 76 children. The median age at first tube insertion was 3 years (range, 0.5–18 years). Length of follow-up ranged from 1 month to 12.6 years. Fifty-eight children (76%) had a neurological abnormality, the commonest being cerebral palsy. All but one procedure were performed successfully, of which 63 (37%) were new insertions, 99 change of tube, 4 changed from surgical gastrostomy and 6 from PEG to button gastrostomy. The median hospital stay was 2 days (range, 2–7 days) for new insertions and 1 day for tube changes. There were 10 (6%) early complications within 30 days, the commonest being peritubal infection (6). The 39 late complications included 16 peritubal infection/granulomata, 9 ‘buried bumpers’, 4 worsening of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, 2 gastrocolic fistulae, 3 gastrocutaneous fistulae and 4 tubal migration. There was no mortality. CONCLUSIONS We have demonstrated that paediatric PEG procedures and continuing management by a supporting team can be successfully and efficiently provided in the district general hospital. It should be possible for the majority of similar hospitals to provide local access and increase the availability of PEG feeding for children.

scholarly journals Renal Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism Secondary to Vaccine-induced Thrombotic Thrombocytopenia (VITT)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nikita Cliff-Patel ◽  
Lindsay Moncrieff ◽  
Veqas Ziauddin
Keyword(s):  
Pulmonary Embolism ◽  
General Hospital ◽  
Regulatory Agency ◽  
Renal Vein ◽  
District General Hospital ◽  
Renal Vein Thrombosis ◽  
The Other ◽  
Pulmonary Emboli ◽  
Vein Thrombosis ◽  
The Uk

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) of the UK has approved the use of three vaccines to combat COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2). There have been rare reports of thrombosis after vaccination with the AstraZeneca vaccine. We present three cases of vaccine-induced thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT) in one UK district general hospital following administration of this vaccine. Two of the patients had asymptomatic pulmonary emboli, while the other is the first known case of both renal vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism.

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