1200 Polytrauma Clinic in a Major Trauma Centre in the UK – a Novel Approach for Polytrauma Patients

Abstract

Abstract Introduction The UK major trauma network was successfully implemented in 2012. However, rehabilitation has mainly been described in military veterans. In our unit a multidisciplinary polytrauma clinic attended by an Advanced Physiotherapist, Rehabilitation Medicine Consultant and a Trauma and Orthopaedic Consultant was established to manage these patients after discharge. Method This observational study assessed the polytrauma rehabilitation clinic at a single UK Major Trauma Centre. Eligible patients had 2 or more significant limb injuries +/- pelvic fracture. A retrospective review between 1st July 2016 to 31st July 2021 was performed. Electronic records were assessed for mechanism of injury, number of injuries requiring surgery, length of inpatient stay, number of clinic appointments, diagnosis of post-traumatic amnesia and re-admission. Results Of a total of 87 patients, 68% sustained injuries following road traffic collisions. Mean number of injuries per patient was 5.9 SD+/- 2.6, mean operations performed per patient 4.3 SD+/- 4. Patients had a mean of 1.4 SD+/- 0.6 reviews per year in the clinic, with 1.5 +/- 0.6 years of follow-up. 14% of patients had post-traumatic amnesia. Re-admission was required for 24 patients, of which 21 (87.5%) were planned. Conclusions The polytrauma clinic introduced a multi-disciplinary approach to the aftercare of this patient population, whilst reducing their appointment burden. This study found patients required 1-2 appointments per year, demonstrating a cost-effective approach to follow up. The streamlining of required interventions in a timely manner is supported by the fact that over 70% of patients did not require further admissions for treatment.