scholarly journals Management of minor burns during the COVID-19 pandemic: A patient-centred approach

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
pp. 205951312110205 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammed Farid ◽  
Yasser Al Omran ◽  
Darren Lewis ◽  
Alan Kay

Introduction: The UK government introduced lockdown measures on 23 March 2020 due to the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. A restructuring of clinical services was necessary to accommodate mandatory changes while also maintaining the best possible standards for patient care. The present study explored the initial management, follow-up and patient-reported outcomes of burn injuries <15% total body surface area (TBSA) during the height of the COVID-19 lockdown at a tertiary burns centre. Methods: A retrospective review of all adult patients with burns <15% TBSA during the national lockdown (23 March 2020 to 10 May 2020) was undertaken at The Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham (QEHB), UK. All referrals from non-QEHB telemedicine (external) or QEHB emergency (internal) departments were reviewed for management, length of hospital stay and pattern of follow-up (ward attender, self-care, community or outreach nurses). A telephone survey based on a structured questionnaire was conducted to establish patients’ satisfaction. Results: A total of 84 burn patients were included in the study. The mean age was 39 years (age range = 19–91 years) and the male:female ratio was 4:1. Patients were managed non-operatively (n = 69, 82%) or operatively (n = 15, 18%). Patients attended the ward attender acute burns clinic only once (n = 36, 61%). The telephone survey captured 70% (n = 59) of the study population and 57 patients (97% of respondents) were pleased with the ongoing care and burn healing. Conclusion: The integration of patient led self-care, reduction in admissions, minimal clinics attendance and a telemedicine follow-up is an effective model for small burns management during the COVID-19 pandemic. A high degree of patient satisfaction was achieved with continuous and approachable communication channels with the burn multidisciplinary team. We continue to implement this effective model of burns management throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent period. Lay Summary The lockdown measures due to the first wave of COVID-19 pandemic affected the way we manage all medical emergencies including burns. The initial management, follow-up and patient satisfaction for small burn injuries during lockdown has not been reported previously. The aim of this study is to examine the outcome in terms of small burn management, hospital stay, number of clinic reviews, healing and patient satisfaction during the lockdown period in a burn centre in the UK. This would look at the need for operations and whether patients stayed longer if they required an intervention. We reviewed adult patients with small burns during the national lockdown (23 March 2020 to 10 May 2020) at The Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham (QEHB). All referrals from telemedicine, referral system (external) or QEHB (internal) were reviewed for management, length of hospital stay and pattern of follow-up. Patients were reviewed in the acute burns clinic and given advice for burn management and dressing for self-care. Follow-up was mostly via email (telemedicine) A telephone survey based on a structured questionnaire was conducted to find out patients’ satisfaction. Four times more men than women had small burns during the lockdown period. The average age was 39 years. The majority were managed conservatively with dressings (82%) and a small proportion required an operation (18%). Most patients attended the acute burns clinic only once (61%) for initial assessment and management. The telephone survey captured 70% of patient and 97% of respondents were pleased with the care and burn healing. The integration of patient-led self-care, reduction in admissions, minimal clinics attendance and a telemedicine follow-up is an effective model for burns management during the COVID-19 pandemic. A high degree of patient satisfaction was achieved with continuous and approachable communication channels with burn multidisciplinary team. We continue to implement this effective model of burns management throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent period.

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
M Ribeiro Da Silva ◽  
A Rodrigues ◽  
C Guerreiro ◽  
A Mosalina Manuel ◽  
G Santos Silva ◽  
...  

Abstract Introduction Conduction disturbances (CD) after TAVI remains the most frequent complication of the procedure, frequently increasing the length of hospital stay. A lack of consensus exists regarding in-hospital management of CD post-TAVI. Purpose To evaluate if an early discharge (ED) protocol could be safely implemented in patients (pts) with CD post-TAVI. Methods Retrospective study of all pts submitted to TAVI between 2016 and 2018. Pts with prior permanent pacemaker (PP) and non-transfemoral approach were excluded. ECG data before, immediately after the procedure and at day 3 post-TAVI were collected, and continuous telemetry monitoring was recorded. We applied a recently proposed ED algorithm (adapted from Management of Conduction Disturbances Associated With Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement - JACC Scientific Expert Panel; JACC 2019; 74(8):1086–106) to identify which pts could have been candidates for ED. ED was defined as discharge in the first 72 hours (h) after the procedure. We evaluated if an ED strategy would have been safe at 1-year follow-up (FUP), as defined by the absence of need for PP, syncope and mortality. Results 242 pts were included, 44,8% males, mean age 80,4 years, mean Euroscore II 5,4 and the majority implanted a self-expandable prosthesis (64,1%). Mean hospital stay after TAVI was 7,7 days. The most frequent CD after TAVI were: new onset left bundle brunch block (36%) and high degree atrioventricular block (HAVB) (16,3%). During hospital stay 21,6% needed PP, mainly because of HAVB (mainly implanted in the first 72h). According to the proposed algorithm, 70,7% of our pts were ED-candidates. ED-candidates had lower prevalence of predilation (18,5% vs 36,8%, p=0,008) with no significant differences between type of prosthesis or baseline ECG. ED-candidates had smaller PR interval post-TAVI (184,5 vs 202,5 ms, p=0,044) and smaller PR and QRS at 72h (p&lt;0,001 in both). At 1-year FUP, only 2,3% of ED-candidates needed a PP (vs 37,7% non-ED, p&lt;0,001). It is noteworthy that in those ED-candidates who needed a PP during FUP, the percentage of ventricular pacing was less than 2% at 6 months. In the FUP period, 3,2% of ED candidates presented at the ER because of syncope, with no significant differences to non-ED pts. No differences between groups were found in 30-days and 1-year ER presentation because of syncope or all-cause mortality. Conclusions According to the proposed algorithm for ED in pts with CD post-TAVI, pts with specific ECG characteristics and without rhythm events during continuous telemetry monitoring can be early discharged with long-term safety. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None


Swiss Surgery ◽  
2002 ◽  
Vol 8 (6) ◽  
pp. 255-258 ◽  
Author(s):  
Perruchoud ◽  
Vuilleumier ◽  
Givel

Aims: The purpose of this study was to evaluate excision and open granulation versus excision and primary closure as treatments for pilonidal sinus. Subjects and methods: We evaluated a group of 141 patients operated on for a pilonidal sinus between 1991 and 1995. Ninety patients were treated by excision and open granulation, 34 patients by excision and primary closure and 17 patients by incision and drainage, as a unique treatment of an infected pilonidal sinus. Results: The first group, receiving treatment of excision and open granulation, experienced the following outcomes: average length of hospital stay, four days; average healing time; 72 days; average number of post-operative ambulatory visits, 40; average off-work delay, 38 days; and average follow-up time, 43 months. There were five recurrences (6%) in this group during the follow-up period. For the second group treated by excision and primary closure, the corresponding outcome measurements were as follows: average length of hospital stay, four days; average healing time, 23 days; primary healing failure rate, 9%; average number of post-operative ambulatory visits, 6; average off-work delay, 21 days. The average follow-up time was 34 months, and two recurrences (6%) were observed during the follow-up period. In the third group, seventeen patients benefited from an incision and drainage as unique treatment. The mean follow-up was 37 months. Five recurrences (29%) were noticed, requiring a new operation in all the cases. Discussion and conclusion: This series of 141 patients is too limited to permit final conclusions to be drawn concerning significant advantages of one form of treatment compared to the other. Nevertheless, primary closure offers the advantages of quicker healing time, fewer post-operative visits and shorter time off work. When a primary closure can be carried out, it should be routinely considered for socio-economical and comfort reasons.


Rheumatology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 60 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mia Rodziewicz ◽  
Terence O'Neill ◽  
Audrey Low

Abstract Background/Aims  Rheumatology departments were required to switch rapidly from face-to-face (F2F) to remote consultations during the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK. We conducted a patient satisfaction survey on the switch to inform future service development. Methods  All patients [new (NP), follow-up (FU)] were identified between 1st to 5th June 2020. Patients who attended or did not attend (DNA) a pre-booked F2F consultation or cancelled were excluded. Of the remainder, half the patients was surveyed by phone using a standardised questionnaire and the other half was posted the same questionnaire. Both groups were offered the opportunity to complete the survey online. Patients were surveyed on the organisation and content of the consultation, whether they were offered a subsequent F2F appointment and future consultation preference. Results  233 consultations were scheduled during the study period. After 53 exclusions (34 pre-booked F2F, 16 DNA, 3 cancellations), 180 eligible consultations were surveyed (85 via mailshot, 95 by telephone). 75/180 patients (42%) responded within 1 month of the telephone consultation (20 NP, 47 FU, 8 missing). The organisation of the switch was positively perceived (Table). Patients were highly satisfied with 4 of the 5 consultation domains but were undecided whether a physical assessment would have changed the outcome of the consultation (Table). After the initial phone consultation, 7 of 20 NP and 19 of 47 FU were not offered subsequent F2F appointments at the clinicians’ discretion. Of those not offered subsequent F2F appointments, proportionally more NP (3/7, 43%) would have liked one, compared to FU (5/19, 26%). Reasons included communication difficulties and a desire for a definitive diagnosis. 48/75 (64%) would be happy for future routine FU to be conducted by phone “most of the time" or "always”; citing patient convenience and disease stability. Caveats were if physical examination was required or if more serious issues (as perceived by the patient) needed F2F discussion. Conclusion  Patients were generally satisfied with telephone consultations and most were happy to be reviewed again this way. NPs should be offered F2F appointments for first visits to maximise patient satisfaction and time efficiency. P071 Table 1:Median age, yearsFemale; n (%)Follow-up; n (%)All eligible for survey; n = 18056122 (68)133 (74)Sent mailshot; n = 855459 (69)65 (76)Surveyed by phone; n = 955663 (66)68 (72)Responder by mail; n = 166911 (69)13 (82)Responder by phone; n = 525437 (71)34 (65)Responder by e-survey; n = 7495 (71)UnknownOrganisation of the telephone consultation, N = 75Yes, n (%)No, n (%)Missing, n (%)Were you informed beforehand about the phone consultation?63 (84)11 (15)1 (1)Were you called within 1-2 hours of the appointed date and time?66 (88)6 (8)3 (4)Domains of the consultation, N = 75Strongly disagree, n (%)Disagree, n (%)Neutral, n (%)Agree, n (%)Strongly agree, n (%)Missing, n (%)During the call, I felt the clinician understood my problem3 (4)1 (1)1 (1)20 (27)49 (65)1 (1)During the call, I had the opportunity to ask questions regarding my clinical care1 (1)02 (3)16 (21)55 (73)1 (1)A physical examination would have changed the outcome of the consultation16 (21)18 (24)20 (27)11 (15)10 (13)0The clinician answered my questions to my satisfaction2 (3)06 (8)18 (24)49 (65)0At the end of the consultation, the clinician agreed a management plan with me3 (4)2 (3)6 (8)24 (32)39 (52)1 (1)Future consultations, N = 75Never, n (%)Sometimes, n (%)Most of the time, n (%)Always, n (%)Missing, n, (%)In the future, would you be happy for routine FU to be conducted by phone?5 (7)20 (27)16 (21)32 (43)2 (3) Disclosure  M. Rodziewicz: None. T. O'Neill: None. A. Low: None.


2021 ◽  
Vol 28 (05) ◽  
pp. 652-655
Author(s):  
Robina Ali ◽  
Riffat Ehsan ◽  
Ghazala Niaz ◽  
Fatima Abid

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to assess the safety of sacrohystcopxy by determining intraoperative and post-operative complications and its effectiveness by pelvic organ prolapse recurrence on follow up. Study Design: Prospective study. Setting: Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics Unit-II DHQ Hospital PMC, Faisalabad. Period: Jan-2014 to Jan-2017. Material & Methods: Patients with uterovaginal prolapse, admitted through OPD were selected for abdominal sacrohysteropexy. Variables of study including duration of surgery, any intra-operative and post operative complications, need of intra operative blood transfusion, post operative hospital stay; recurrence of POP, number of pregnancies in 06 moths follow up were recorded. Results: During this study period, 319 patients were admitted with uterovaginal prolapse. 32 (10.03%) cases were selected for abdominal sacrohysteropexy. In these 32 patients, 03 (9.37%) were <30years of age, 21(65.62%) were between 30-35 years and 8 (25%) were between 35-40 years of age. About 2(6.25%) were unmarried, while 30(93.7%) were married. In these married women 14(43.75%) were multiparas, another 14(43.75%) were para 1 or 2, while 4(12.5%) were para 3 or more. Duration of surgery was 40-45 minutes in 31(96.87%) patients. In 28(87.5%) cases per operative blood loss was <150ml while in 4(12.5%) it was estimated to be >150ml but less than 300ml. Post operatively only 1(3.12%) case developed wound sepsis and it was the only one (3.12%) who was discharged on 7th post operative day, while rest 31(96.87%) were discharged on 3rd post operative day. No recurrence was noticed in 06 moths follow up, while 2(6.25%) patients became pregnant. Conclusion: Abdominal sacrohysteropexy is a safe and an effective treatment in terms of overall anatomical and functional outcome, complications, post operative recovery, length of hospital stay and sexual functioning, in women who desire uterine and hence fertility preservation.


2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (5) ◽  
pp. 95-97
Author(s):  
Augustin Delange Hendrick ◽  
Almenord Pharol ◽  
Khawly Clifford PG ◽  
Augustin Delange ◽  
Pierre Marie Woolley

Femoral fractures increase the length of hospital stay for our patients for several reasons such as lack of blood, economic resources, and lack of infrastructure. The use of a C-arm has been shown to reduce patient morbidity due to early functional recovery and reduced hospital stay. Objective: To develop an intramedullary nailing technique without c-arm with a closed focus to reduce the duration of hospitalization of its patients as well as the cost related to the equipment used for follow-up. Methodology: prospective study on 35 patients for 1 year August 2020 to August 2021 Results: We followed 35 patients in which the mean age was 37.83 years with extremes of 18 and 78 years. The male sex predominates 21 against 14 women or 60% against 40% respectively. The sex ratio is 1.5. A total of 19 diaphyseal fractures (54.3%) were nailed, 9 supracondylar (25.7%) and 7 subtrochanteric (20%). Twenty-seven were closed fractures (71.1%), and 8 were open fractures (22.9%). The length of hospitalization was less than 3 days for 30 patients (85.7%), and more than 3 days for 5 patients (14.3%). Conclusion: We recommend that we promote this closed-hearth technique because it improves the postoperative follow-up of patients. Additionally, it would reduce exposure to radiation from c-arm in hospitals that have this equipment.


Stroke ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 44 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Adrianne M Dorsey ◽  
Amelia K Boehme ◽  
Laurie Schluter ◽  
Karen C Albright ◽  
Tiffany R Chang ◽  
...  

Objective: We sought to determine the proportion of patients with elevated factor VIII (FVIII) levels whose FVIII levels remain elevated after the acute phase of stroke, and the patient characteristics that predict sustained elevation of FVIII levels. Background: Factor VIII plays a major role in the fluid phase of blood coagulation. Elevated FVIII has been shown to increase risk of venous and arterial thrombosis. The importance of screening for elevated FVIII after a first thrombotic event especially acute ischemic stroke (AIS) has not been adequately investigated. Design/Methods: We reviewed FVIII levels taken at baseline and follow-up in patients with AIS treated at our stroke center from July 2008 to June 2012. Elevated FVIII was defined as >150%. Baseline demographics, laboratory data, clinical course, outcomes, and time to follow-up were collected in patients with elevated FVIII at baseline and data was compared in patients who had normalized FVIII with patients whose FVIII remained elevated at least 7 days later. Results: Repeat FVIII levels were available for 34/111 patients with elevated FVIII level with AIS. FVIII remained elevated in 68% after a median interval of 110 days. Factors associated with persistent elevation included higher baseline FVIII level (239 vs 185%, p=0.015), elevated CRP (73.3 vs 12.5%, p=0.008), lower baseline NIHSS (4 vs 8, p=0.046), and longer length of hospital stay (8 vs. 3, p=0.0063). Normalization of FVIII was associated with tPA use (54.5% vs 13%, p=0.016). No relationship was found between persistently elevated FVIII and baseline demographics, clinical course and outcomes. Conclusion: Persistently elevated FVIII after AIS may be predicted by higher baseline levels and elevations in CRP. Despite worse baseline stroke severity, patient with normalization of FVIII had similar outcomes as those with persistent elevation, which may be explained by the higher use of tPA in the normalized group. The relevance of elevated FVIII in stroke is not well understood. Our preliminary results suggest elevations persist in the majority and may not merely represent an acute phase reactant.


2012 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 241-245 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonathan G. Thomas ◽  
Jerome Boatey ◽  
Alison Brayton ◽  
Andrew Jea

Object Outside of the patient population with achondroplasia, neurogenic claudication is rare in the pediatric age group. Neurogenic claudication associated with posterior vertebral rim fracture is even more uncommon but nonetheless causes pain and disability in affected children and adolescents. The purpose of this study was to describe the surgical results of 3 adolescents presenting with neurogenic claudication and posterior vertebral rim fracture when treated with laminectomy alone. Methods The medical and operative records of the 3 pediatric patients were retrospectively reviewed. Presenting signs and symptoms and CT findings, such as the interpedicular distances between T-12 and L-5, were obtained. Perioperative results were assessed, including operative time, blood loss, length of hospital stay, and complications. Findings at latest follow-up were also recorded, including a patient satisfaction survey. Results The 3 patients (1 girl and 2 boys) had a mean age of 14.7 years (range 14–15 years) and underwent follow-up for a mean of 11.3 months (range 5–18 months). Notable preoperative signs and symptoms included back pain (all patients), leg pain (all patients), leg numbness (1 patient), and leg weakness (1 patient). No patient presented with bowel and/or bladder dysfunction. The mean blood loss during laminectomy was 123 ml (range 20–300 ml), and the mean length of hospital stay was 4.3 days (range 3–6 days). On average, decompression was performed at 2.2 levels (range 2–2.5 levels). All 3 patients reported at most recent follow-up that they were “satisfied” with the surgery. There was 1 complication of instability from an iatrogenic pars fracture, which required reoperation and posterior instrumented fusion. Conclusions To the best of the authors' knowledge, this report represents the first surgical series of pediatric neurogenic claudication associated with posterior vertebral rim fractures. Pediatric neurosurgeons may infrequently encounter neurogenic claudication associated with a posterior vertebral rim fracture in children. To treat children with neurogenic claudication associated with posterior vertebral rim fractures, a simple laminectomy may be a safe and efficacious alternative to discectomy and removal of fracture fragments.


2019 ◽  
Vol 80 (03) ◽  
pp. 288-299
Author(s):  
Ninnie Borendal Wodlin

Abstract Introduction The aims of the study were to evaluate the impact of intra- and postoperative complications on satisfaction one year after hysterectomy for benign conditions, to determine risk factors for low patient satisfaction and to analyze whether complications were associated with the length of hospital stay. Material and Methods A retrospective study of 27 938 women from the Swedish National Register for Gynecological Surgery undergoing hysterectomy for benign conditions between January 2004 and June 2016. Data were obtained from prospectively collected pre-, peri- and postoperative forms. Statistical analyses were performed using multivariable logistic regression models. Crude and adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals are presented. Results More than 90% were satisfied with the hysterectomy. Dissatisfaction was associated with complications. Pelvic pain as indication, preoperatively having less expectations to get rid of symptoms or being alleviated from surgery, and current smoking were also risk factors for low patient satisfaction. Vaginal and abdominal subtotal hysterectomies were associated with high satisfaction. Occurrence of complications intra- and postoperatively before discharge was associated with increased length of hospital stay, as well as occurrence and severity of complications reported after discharge from hospital. Conclusions Complications were strongly associated with lower patient satisfaction. Preoperative expectations of surgery, indication, mode of surgery and life-style factors had impact on the satisfaction. Patient-centered information to ensure realistic expectations and prevention of complications seem to be essential to gain optimal patient satisfaction with surgery.


2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Quanyi Li ◽  
Yongchun Zhou

Abstract Purpose To compare the efficacy of conventional interlaminar fenestration discectomy (IFD) with transforaminal endoscopic lumbar discectomy (TELD) for treating lumbar disc herniation (LDH). Methods The clinical data of 1100 patients who had been diagnosed with LDH between January 2012 and December 2017 were retrospectively analysed. IFD was performed on 605 patients in Group A, whereas TELD was performed on 505 patients in Group B. The Oswestry Disability Index, Visual Analogue Scale for pain and modified MacNab criteria were used to evaluate the outcomes. The surgery duration, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative off-bed activity and postoperative length of hospital stay were recorded. Results The follow-up period ranged from 24 to 60 months, with an average of 43 months. The excellent and good outcome rates were 93.5% in Group A and 92.6% in Group B. There was no significant difference in efficacy between the groups (P > 0.05). However, Group B had significantly less intraoperative blood loss and shorter bed rest duration and postoperative length of hospital stay than Group A (P < 0.05). There were two cases of postoperative recurrence in Group A and three in Group B. Conclusions Although conventional IFD and TELD had similar levels of efficacy in treating LDH, TELD had several advantages. There was less intraoperative bleeding, shorter length of hospital stay and shorter bed rest duration. It can be considered a safe and effective surgical option for treating LDH.


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