449 Burden of Epistaxis - Room for Improvement?

Abstract

Abstract Aim We conducted an audit at a large tertiary hospital of the measures and information given to patients admitted with Epistaxis. The aim of this audit was to identify factors for prolonged inpatient admissions and elucidate the extent of patient suitable information provided. Method A retrospective audit was conducted collecting data over two months on all patients admitted with epistaxis. Data was collected on demographics, co-morbidities, length of stay, discussions with other specialities and the extent (verbal/written) of information given to patients with regard to management of epistaxis in the community and how to reduce the risk of further episodes of epistaxis. Results Sixty patients were identified with an average age of 68 years. The patients were inpatients for an average of 41 hours. 10% had a form of haematological disorder, 40% were on warfarin/DOAC and 45% had hypertension. 40% had neither verbal nor written information given about either management or reducing risk. 10% had written information about both. 8% were re-admitted within 30 days of discharge and 17% had previously been admitted with epistaxis in the last 6 months. Conclusions Epistaxis is a common inpatient admission in ENT with a significant bed burden on the department. A significant proportion of patients are co-morbid and thus easily understandable trust guidelines on management of epistaxis on warfarin/doac should be available to reduce length of stay. The low proportion of patients provided with information to help self-care is significant and is likely to play an important role in the re-admission rates.