Compliance with Brain Trauma Foundation Guidelines in TBI Patients

Abstract

Aims: The aim of this audit done prior to the release of the 4th guidelines was to audit the compliance with the brain trauma foundation guidelines in our Surgical Intensive Care Unit from Dec 2013 to Mar 2014. Methods: All adult traumatic brain injury patients admitted to the SICU between December 2013 and March 2014 were included. The third edition of the BTF guidelines was taken as a standard to assess compliance. A computerized ICU database established in 2011 allowed access to the patient records and all data was cross checked with the hospital patient record system. Results: A total of 28 patients were admitted to the SICU during the audit period. 15 variables were checked from the database and corroborated from the hospital records. The variables were collected at 24 hours after admission. All patients were with low Glasgow coma scale (GCS) and admitted to the ICU for neuro monitoring. Of the 15 variables recommended the compliance rate was 60.7%. The ICU mortality for this group of TBI patients during this period was 25%. Conclusions: Our audit shows a higher compliance rate and an acceptable mortality rate. Further studies will be required to see the mortality benefit between groups as well as development of local protocols to improve adherence to the guidelines suggested.