404 Imaging for Plastic Surgery Trauma Referrals – Does It Reduce Unnecessary on the Day Patient Transfers?

Abstract

Abstract Aim To determine whether requesting images for plastic surgery trauma referrals reduced the number of patients transferred to hospital for on the day assessment and management. Method Two data collection periods between 31/08/22 - 18/09/22 (round 1) and 24/10/22 – 17/11/22 (round 2) were undertaken. For round one on call plastic surgery SHOs were asked to keep track of all trauma referrals outside of their base hospital which they accepted for on the day review. Once the patient had been reviewed SHOs were asked whether they felt the patient required on the day management or if the patient could have been safely triaged to be seen the following day. During round two SHOs were additionally asked to request images from the referrer were able and to note whether this altered or confirmed their initial management plan. Results Round one: 15 patients were transferred for on the day review with 80% deemed as requiring on the day management whilst 20% did not. Round two: 13 patients were transferred for on the day review with 92% deemed as requiring on the day management whilst 8% did not. Images were sent for 9 patients, altered the initial decision in three cases and confirmed the initial management in 6. Conclusions Requesting images for plastic trauma referrals can reduce the number of patients unnecessarily seen on the day, reducing patient stress, and making better use of hospital resources.