An audit on the management of patients with acute shoulder dislocation

Abstract

Acute shoulder dislocation is a common presenting complaint to the emergency department. Acute shoulder dislocation is a surgical emergency and demands urgent relocation. The aims of the audit were to assess the current performance in the management of patients with acute shoulder dislocation in relation to standards set by the College of Emergency Medicine (CEM). These standards relate to prompt administration of analgesia, diagnosis, and attempt at shoulder reduction. A retrospective audit was carried out at a district general hospital and identified 76 patients presenting with acute shoulder dislocation over a 6-month period. The results showed that patient care could be improved in relation to administration of analgesia and through earlier attempt at shoulder reduction. By suspecting a dislocated shoulder, the triage nurse has the potential to expedite the appropriate investigations and initiate the appropriate management. Through departmental training and the introduction of a management protocol, the treatment of such patients can be optimized.