P051: Management of subcutaneous abscesses in the emergency department

Abstract

Introduction: We sought to characterize the management of uncomplicated subcutaneous abscesses (SA) by Canadian emergency physicians (EPs). Methods: Cross-sectional study of CAEP membership. Subjects were emailed an invitation to an online survey, and two biweekly reminders. Wilcoxon rank sum test was used for association with age, and Chi Square and Fischers exact test were used for binary variables. Results: Response rate was 21.2 % (392 Reponses / 1850 surveyed). Duration of practice ranged from 30.2 % practising <= 5 years, to 25.7% practising >= 20 years. Teaching setting was described in 89.1% of responses. Irrigation with saline is performed by 57.1 % of EPs, tap water 2.1 %, or disinfectant 2.1% of EPs, with 39.1% not doing any irrigation. Approximately half (49.2%) typically do not pack or close wounds, while 40.6 % employ ribbon or gauze packing, and 1.6 % primary closure. Antibiotics are generally not prescribed by 16.8%. EPs prescribe antibiotics when suspecting surrounding cellulitis (84.2%), immunocompromised host (51.6%), MRSA (28.9%), or recurrence within 30 days (27.5 %). Cultures are taken almost always by 28.2%, half the time or less by 33.9%, never by 11.6%, and if MRSA is suspected by 33.9%. Follow-up instructions are with FP (56.7%), ED at 24 hours (5.91 %) or 48 hours (17.74 %), or not required (24.7%). Most EPs (90.9%) report having no standardized protocol for abscess management in their ED. EPs with fewer years in practice are more likely to make cruciate incisions (p=0.009), to generally not irrigate incisions (p=0.02), to culture if MRSA is suspected (p=0.02), and to prescribe antibiotics when suspecting MRSA (p=0.02) immune-compromised host (p=0.03), and in case of spontaneous treatment failure or recurrence (p=0.0004). EPs with more years in practice are more likely to pack with ribbon gauze (p=0.06), and to almost always swab for C&S (p=0.04) Conclusion: Practice variability and deviations from practice guidelines (i.e. IDSA, Choosing Wisely Canada) are noted. A knowledge translation exercise based on the guidelines for Canadian EPs would be useful.