Accident Department Research Articles

Study of Age and Gender Predilections amongst the Victims of Burns of Domestic Violence

Background: Human life from conception till death needs some sources of energy or heating mechanism to advance from a day to another in the process of livelihood. From innocent infants falling victims to fires, toddlers to scalds, youth to vitriolage and elders to enmity of a variety of sources or to their own debilitation bring them close to the fire source let them fell a prey to burns. Aim: To observe the age and gender predilections amongst the victims of burns Methods: The study was carried out among 250 victims of burns presented from December 2017 to August 2018 and reported in the Accident and Emergency Department of Mayo Hospital Lahore and filtered in Medicolegal Clinic of King Edward Medical University Lahore. Results: The study revealed maximum involvement of pediatric and geriatric age groups falling victim to burn incidents. In an analysis as a whole almost 84% victims were belonging to these two extremes of ages. Gender disparity showed a slight difference of just 10% showing female preponderance being exposed to burns. Keywords: Burns, Age, Gender, Variation, Disparity

EP.TU.192Phlegmasia cerulea dolens associated with lung abscess

Abstract Introduction Phelgmasia cerulea dolens (PCD) is a rare limb and life-threatening condition caused by extensive of deep veins thrombosis of the extremities and it is classically associated with extensive oedema, severe pain and skin mottling which may lead to compartment syndrome, venous gangrene, and death. Case presentation We present a rare case of phlegmasia cerulea dolens associated with lung abscess. A 40-year-old male with background history of right femoral vein thrombosis, cardiomyopathy with ejection fraction of only 10% presented with three days history of progressive swelling, pain and purple discoloration of right leg to the accident and emergency department at a district general hospital. He was treated with therapeutic low molecular weight heparin. He was found to have lung abscess 2 weeks after admission for which he was treated with broad spectrum intra venous antibiotics. In view of his poor ejection fraction, he was treated without any surgical intervention for PCD. Patient succumbed after 3 months of presentation. PCD is a rare vascular emergency condition if not recognized early and treated aggressively may lead to high morbidity and mortality. Conclusion Phlegmasia cerulea dolens is an acute limb and life-threatening condition. Early diagnosis and aggressive intervention with thrombolysis and thrombectomy is necessary to prevent morbidity and mortality.

An evaluation of the safety and effectiveness of telephone triage in prioritising patient visits to an ophthalmic emergency department - the impact of COVID-19.

BackgroundDuring the COVID-19 crisis, a new nurse and doctor-led telephone triage model of care was evaluated as a method of prioritising essential visits to the ophthalmic accident and emergency department in the Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital. This new method of service is known as “Telehealth” or “E-Health”.AimsTo assess the safety and efficacy of a Telehealth model of care ultilised during the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsA prospective study was undertaken in the Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital where the telephone triage records were examined over a 28-day period during the COVID-19 pandemic from 19 March 2020 to 16 April 2020 inclusive.ResultsDuring this period, 1120 telephone calls were received by the call centre. A total of 739 patients attended the emergency department over the 28-day period compared to 2247 during the same period in 2019.ConclusionTo reduce risk of transmission, the COVID-19 pandemic has necessitated novel ways of interacting with patients and sharing healthcare information. Our new mode of service provision in the RVEEH portrays the effectiveness of Telehealth. This study gives us further scope to improve this model of care into the future.

Relation of substance use disorders to mortality, accident and emergency department attendances, and hospital admissions: A 13-year population-based cohort study in Hong Kong

BackgroundThe impact of substance use disorders (SUD) in an Asian population has not been fully explored. We aimed to assess the risk of mortality, accident and emergency (A&E) department attendances, and hospital admissions associated with SUD in a population-based cohort study. MethodPatients diagnosed with SUD in public A&E departments from 2004 to 2016 (N = 8,423) were identified in the Clinical Database Analysis and Reporting System of the Hong Kong Hospital Authority and 1:1 matched to patients without SUD by propensity score (N = 6,074 in each group). Relative risks of mortality, A&E attendances and hospital admissions were assessed using Cox regression and Hurdle negative binomial regression. ResultsPatients with SUD had higher mortality (hazard ratio=1.43; 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.26–1.62) and more often died from poisoning or toxicity and injuries. The odds ratio (OR) for A&E attendances and all-cause hospital admissions associated with SUD were 2.80 (95% CI=2.58–3.04) and 3.54 (95% CI=3.26–3.83), respectively. The impact of SUD on the above outcomes was greatest among school-aged individuals (≤ 21 years) and decreased with age. The relative risk of mental disorder-related hospital admissions was much higher than that for infections, respiratory diseases, and cardiovascular diseases. In patients with SUD, ketamine and amphetamine use were associated with increased A&E attendances than opioid use. ConclusionsSUD was associated with increased mortality, A&E attendances and hospital admissions, especially in school-aged individuals. Our findings suggest prioritising early treatment and preventive interventions for school-aged individuals and focusing on the management of comorbid mental disorders and the use of ketamine and amphetamine.

Intrauterine fetal death followed by shoulder dystocia and birth by modified posterior axillary sling method: a case report

BackgroundVarious manoeuvres such as McRoberts position, suprapubic pressure, rotational methods, posterior arm extraction and all-four position (HELPERR) have been proposed for relieving shoulder dystocia with variable success. Posterior axillary sling method using a rubber catheter was proposed in 2009 but has not been widely used. We modified this method using ribbon gauzes and a long right-angle forceps and report a successful case.Case presentationA 44 years old parity one Chinese woman with a history of a caesarean delivery and poorly controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus was admitted to the Accident and Emergency Department for advanced stage of labour at term. Upon arrival, intrauterine fetal demise was diagnosed with severe asynclitism causing obstruction at the perineum. Episiotomy resulted in birth of the fetal head. The fetal posterior right shoulder, however, remained very high up in the pelvis and HELPERR methods failed to extract the shoulders. We then tied two long ribbon gauzes together, and guided its knot to the anterior aspect of the posterior axilla. By using a long right-angle forceps (24 cm long) to grasp the knot on the posterior side of the axilla and pulling it through, a sling was formed. Traction was then applied through the sling to simultaneously pull and rotate the posterior shoulder. A stillbirth of 3488 g was finally extracted.ConclusionsWe modified the sling method by using two ribbon gauzes, tied together and a right-angle forceps with several advantages. Compared to a rubber catheter, ribbon gauze with a knot can be easily held between the fingers for easy guidance past the fetal axilla. It is also thin, non-elastic and stiff enough to ensure a good grip for traction. The long and slim design of the right-angle forceps makes it easy to pass through a narrow space and reach the axilla high up in the pelvis. We emphasize simultaneous traction and rotation, so that the shoulders are delivered through the wider oblique pelvic outlet dimension.

The diagnosis and management of a pathological fracture: a case report

A 64 year old female patient presented to the Accident and Emergency (A&E) department at the Royal Lancaster Infirmary (RLI) with a significant left sided jaw pain. This patient reported paraesthesia and a shooting pain radiating down her left mandible. There was also marked trismus on examination. Her medical history included a history of a previously diagnosed Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) of the left soft palate. This was staged at T2N0M0 and treated with radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Following a clinical examination, special investigations via imaging were obtained prior to a formal diagnosis of pathological fracture of the left mandible following previous radiotherapy for her SCC treatment.
 This case report will discuss the incidence, background, management and treatment of osteoradionecrosis (grade 3) (ORN) of the mandibular jaw bone as well as the associated pathological fractures and the detrimental effects following the use of radiotherapy to the head and neck region.

Serum Level of Parathyroid Hormone, Alkaline Phosphatase, Calcium and Ionized Calcium After Forearm Fractures

Abstract Background During the last two decades, our understanding of fracture healing has evolved rapidly. Bone is one of the few body tissues that can heal without forming a fibrous scar and, as such, the process of fracture healing recapitulates bone development and may be considered a form of tissue regeneration. The complex cell and tissue proliferation and differentiation processes involved in fracture healing are regulated by growth factors, inflammatory cytokines, antioxidants, hormones, amino acids, and other nutrients. Objective: To identify changes in serum level of calcium, ionized calcium, alkaline phosphatase and parathyroid hormone according to mode of trauma (low and high energy) in forearm fractures and their role in fracture healing. Patients and Methods 50 Patients with forearm fracture were prospectively recruited from the Accident and Emergency Department of Trauma Surgery, El Zaitoun specialized hospital within 48 hours of sustaining the fracture. Patients included in the study were asked to avoid calcium supplementation during fracture healing. Results Mean PTH was elevated in both groups at Day 1 with low energy group was insignificantly higher than high energy group, whereas after 8 weeks mean PTH level decreased in both groups but in low energy group mean PTH level was significantly higher than high energy group. Mean ALP level increased in both groups at Day 1 whereas in low energy group it was insignificantly higher than that of high energy group, After 8 weeks mean ALP level insignificantly decreased to normal level in both groups. Mean serum calcium level was below normal level in both groups where it was insignificantly higher in high energy group than that of low energy group which increased after 8 weeks in both groups but remained elevated in high energy than low energy group. Mean serum ionized calcium level was below normal level at Day 1 in both groups whereas it was insignificantly higher in high energy group than low energy group which after 8 weeks increased in both groups but remained elevated in high energy group than low energy group. Conclusion Serial monitoring of these physiological markers reflect the actual status of bone resorption, and bone formation respectively over a short period. Thus, they can be used as an adjunct to clinical and radiological evidence of fracture healing.

Study of Seasonal Varaiations In Presentation Of Medicolgegal Cases Of Burns In A Tertiary Care Hosptial

Background: The burns resulting from heating mechanisms or hot sources are inevitable as such a scheme is an integral part of human’s life. It though benefits on one hand but unfortunately it harms as well especially if due care is not rendered in this regard. Aim: To assess the seasonal effects on presentation of victims of burns. Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted on the medicolegal cases of burns filtered at medicolegal clinic of Mayo Hospital Lahore, Accident and Emergency Department from December 2017 to August 2018. A total of 250 cases were studied presenting in the above setting. Result: The study revealed the seasonality as a quiet common and impressive factor in reporting of victims of burns in the medicolegal clinic of Mayo Hospital/King Edward Medical University Lahore. The winter months of December, January and February were the most common reporting months of study showing maximum peaks. Keywords: Burns, Season, Variation, Factors

PRESENTATION AND MANAGEMENT OF PATIENTS WITH OBSTETRICAL AND GYNECOLOGICAL COMPLICATIONS IN THE DEPARTMENT OF SURGERY

Objective: To find out the types of obstetrical and gynecological complications and their subsequent treatment in the department of general surgery. Methodology: This cross sectional study was conducted on 56 patients who presented to department of surgery, Hayatabad Medical Complex, Peshawar from July 2016 to June 2019. Patients presented either as emergency cases with 24-48 hours following surgery or those who were referred to OPD 48 hours after the procedure. Emer­gency cases included postoperative complications during obstetrical and gynaecological procedures performed in the department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of the same hospital, and those referred from peripheral hospitals. These emergencies were managed immediately while cold cases were operated on elective operation list. Patients were followed up in the OPD. Data was analyzed with SPSS version 20. Results: Out of 56, 24 (42.8%) cases presented to accident and emergency department while 32 (57.2%) were referred to outdoor department (OPD). The initial surgeries, during which complications occurred, included total abdominal hysterectomy (n=34, 64.3%) followed by, pelvic mass excision (n=8, 14.3%) and cesarean section (n=8, 10.7%). The most common complication was wound infection (n=13, 23.2%) followed by haemorrhage (n=9, 16.1%) and incisional hernia (n=8, 14%). Debridement and dressing (n=13, 23.2%), haemostasis (n=9, 16.1%) and mesh repair (n=8, 14.3%) for incision hernia were the common operative procedures. There was no mortality in emergency as well as cold cases. Conclusion: Total abdominal hysterectomy, cesarean section and vaginal hysrerectomy, being commonly per­formed procedures, are associated with high percentage of post operative complications.

Most Frequently Affected Body parts in Road Traffic Accidents Reporting to the Accident and Emergency Department of the Largest Tertiary Care hospital of Karachi in 2019

Introduction Injuries sustained during Road Traffic Accidents (RTAs) amounts to a serious public health crisis. The aim of the study was to determine the body parts most likely affected in an RTA in patients brought to Accident and Emergency (A&E) department of Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC), the largest tertiary care hospital of Karachi. Method A descriptive cross-sectional study was done in January-March 2019 among 371 respondents aged 15-65 years. Study participants were recruited through non-probability convenience sampling. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on sociodemographic variables and type, severity and nature of injury. Chi Square test was used to determine the significant difference between using safety precautions with body parts affected. All analysis was performed on SPSS version 20. Results Out of 371 study participants, 64.4% (n=239) were between 15-35 years with 91.9% (n=338) males. In 77.1% (n=286) cases, emergency medical services responded in less than one hour and first aid was provided by doctor to 95.7% (n=355) at hospital. In 82.5% (n=306) cases, private vehicles were involved, with 46.1% (n=171) motorcycles. In 79.8% (n=296) cases, bone injury was prevalent, with 57.1% (n=212) leg injuries, which was the most frequently affected body part. Majority, 56.2% of the study participants who did not wear seat belts had chest area affected (p=0.006). Conclusion It is concluded that males of 15-35 years who were motorcyclists were more prone to RTAs with lower limbs more frequently being affected. Safety precautions like wearing seatbelts provide protection against RTAs.

Copper-induced Haemolytic Anaemia.

Acute copper intoxication is rare and early clinical suspicion and diagnosis are essential to reduce mortality.The diagnosis of copper poisoning should be based on clinical presentation and measurement of urine and blood copper levels in addition to serum ceruloplasmin levels.Treatment includes reduction of absorption, supportive measures, management of complications and chelation therapy.

Pediatric patients accessing Accident and Emergency Department (A&E) for non-urgent treatment: Why do parents take their children to the A&E?

IntroductionAbout 20–30% of children access the Pediatric Accident and Emergency Department (A&E) for non-urgent health care that should normally follow other health care paths. This study aimed to investigate why parents take their children to the A&E for non-urgent visits rather than using primary care services. MethodsA one-year cross-sectional study was conducted in a large pediatric A&E in Italy. A paper-and-pencil 40-item questionnaire was administered to parents of children aged between 3 months to 6 years who accessed the A&E for non-urgent visits between July 2018 and June 2019. ResultsParents of 238 children completed the questionnaire (mean age = 2.6 years; male 58%). The most common symptoms were fever (n = 105; 44.1%) and skin rash (n = 63; 26.5%); symptoms usually started more than 24 h earlier (n = 163; 69.4%). Reasons for accessing the A&E for non-urgent visits included the availability of rapid medical tests (n = 71; 29.8%), deterioration of the clinical conditions after the pediatrician’s visit (n = 67; 28.2%), and the perceived need for urgent care (n = 65; 27.3%). Besides, 26.6% (n = 63) of parents reported not being able to contact their pediatrician before accessing A&E. ConclusionParents may need further education to distinguish between urgent and non-urgent pediatric health conditions.

Decreased incidence of intussusception during the COVID-19 pandemic. Trends in pediatric surgical emergencies.

PurposeRecent reports suggest that the COVID-19 pandemic may be influencing disease morbidity. The purpose of this study was to investigate pandemic-related changes in the incidence of pediatric surgical emergencies.MethodsData from patients with one of 8 typical conditions considered to be pediatric emergencies who presented at 3 hospitals close to central Tokyo were collated retrospectively from accident and emergency (AE) department records for 2020 and compared with data for 3 years prior to 2020.ResultsAll subjects had similar demographic profiles. The total number of pediatric AE attendances from 2017 to 2020 was 2880 (2017: n = 600, 2018: n = 736, 2019: n = 817, and 2020: n = 727). Annual attendances were similar. Of the 8 conditions, there were significantly less cases of intussusception in 2020 than previously (23/727; 3.1% versus 132/2153; 6.1%) p < 0.01 and the number of emergency surgical interventions for intussusception was also significantly less in 2020 (0/23; 0% versus 13/132; 9.8%) p < 0.01.ConclusionThe implementation of preventative measures to combat the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 would appear to have influenced the etiopathogenesis of intussusception enough to significantly decrease its overall incidence and the requirement for emergency surgical intervention.

Intubation Ergonomics and Effectiveness using Aerosol Box

The pandemic COVID-19 has caused a rupture and disturbance in many ecosystems, especially in healthcare. Although previously patients were treated and given first-hand treatment especially during life threatening event, currently, the safety of healthcare workers have also become the utmost priority. Due to the nature of COVID-19 virus that is able to spread easily via respiratory droplets and aerosols, using mouth and eyes as the route of entry, healthcare workers need to protect themselves while saving the patients at the same time. Therefore, the most common lifesaving procedure at accident and emergency department was chosen, i.e. the intubation procedure. The aerosol box is introduced and used widely during the intubation procedure, especially in accident and emergency department. The study has three objectives. First, to determine whether the aerosol box can provide protection to its users, secondly to suggest an improvement based on the current design of the aerosol box and thirdly to determine the risk of musculoskeletal injuries among healthcare workers using Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA). In this study, direct observation was made during the assessment before suggesting the required recommendation on how to improve the existing aerosol box. The first objective was achieved by conducting a direct observation when participants were conducting the intubation procedure. Any possibility of participants getting exposed to the risk of COVID-19 due to the failure of the box in guarding, was noted by the observer. Recommendation for improvement was made based on these findings, and served the second objective of the study. To achieve the third objective, ergonomics assessment using Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) was conducted. REBA scores represent the severity of musculoskeletal risk imposed to healthcare workers during intubation procedure. Two participants took part in the study voluntarily. Results showed that the aerosol box used in this study does not protect healthcare workers from COVID-19. The current design of aerosol box used must be improvised in order to increase its effectiveness. As for body postures, REBA scores were between medium and high, thus it required immediate corrective actions. With modification, the aerosol box may better protect healthcare workers from being exposed to the COVID-19 virus.

Cardiology referrals before and during the COVID-19 pandemic: a health service evaluation

Background/Aims The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in unprecedented changes to healthcare services. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on referrals to cardiology services in a tertiary hospital. Methods Royal Stoke University Hospital has a cardiac assessment nurse team that provides rapid access to specialist cardiology opinion. All referrals are recorded on a database, which was used to determine how COVID-19 affected the number and types of referrals to cardiology during March–September 2019 and March–September 2020. Results A total of 12 447 referrals were made to the cardiac assessment nurse teams over the evaluation period. Compared to the average number of referrals across all months, there was a decline of 10.5%, 31.2% and 18.5% during March, April and May 2019 respectively. Comparing 2020 to 2019, there were more 999 calls (17.7% vs 15.7%) and accident and emergency referrals (46.5% vs 45.0%), and fewer interhospital referrals (16.0% vs 19.6%). In terms of advice provided for the 999 referrals, a greater number were advised to go to the accident and emergency department (10.5% vs 0%) and direct phone advice provided to those in other settings increased (11.7% vs 0.1%) in 2020. Conclusions The COVID-19 pandemic was associated with a reduction in the number of overall referrals to cardiology, while also demonstrating a shift towards more advice to attend the accident and emergency department for assessment or direct phone advice being provided about management in the community.

The Burden of Geriatric Trauma at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria.

Background:Geriatric populations presently account for 9% of the world population and this is expected to increase. Injuries to the elderly accounted for 5.8 million accident and emergency visits in the USA as well as 4% of patients treated for traumatic injuries in Abuja, Nigeria. Traumatic injury is therefore a major cause of morbidity in the elderly as such the need for the study in our environment.Aims and Objectives:The aim(s) of this article is to review the incidence and types of traumatic injury among elderly population who presented at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria and to determine the causes of traumatic injury involving the geriatric age group in our environment.Materials and Methods:A retrospective hospital-based study involving the records of geriatric patients who presented with traumatic injuries between January 2014 and June 2021 at the geriatric center and the accident and emergency department of the hospital. The record was retrieved from the Total Quality Management Unit of the hospital.Results:About 7.61% of the traumatic injury that presented at the accident and emergency department within the study period involved geriatric patients with a male-to-female ratio of 1:1.08, whereas 0.3% of the patients for inpatient care at the geriatric center had traumatic injury. Fall was the most common cause of traumatic injury observed and fracture the most common traumatic injury observed.Conclusion:Less than 10% of the patients with traumatic injury who presented at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria are in the geriatric age group. Most of the traumatic injury involving geriatric patients in our environment is due to low energy falls, and fracture is the most common injury observed, with the femur being the most affected bone. Therefore, interventions directed at reducing the incidence of falls in our environment will hopefully help in reducing the incidence of traumatic injuries in the older population.

Incidence, pattern and mechanisms of injuries and fractures in children under two years of age

BackgroundFractures in children under 2 years of age are rare, and little has been published on their mechanisms. We aimed at examining the incidence, mechanisms, pattern and fracture characteristics in a large, population-based cohort of otherwise healthy children.MethodsThis retrospective, cross-sectional study includes all children aged 0–2 years, attending the Accident and Emergency department in Bergen between 2010 and 2015, due to an injury warranting radiography. Clinical data was categorized from the medical notes, and all radiographs were reviewed by an experienced paediatric radiologist.ResultsIn total 408 children (212 male), 3–23 months of age (mean 17.7 months), were included. 149 (77 male) children had a total of 162 fractures, yielding an annual incidence of 5.4 per 1000, varying from 0.7 per 1000 for those under 12 months of age, increasing tenfold to 7.3 per 1000 for children aged 12–24 months of age. More than half of the fractures (53.1%) were seen in children aged 18–23 months, while none was found in those under 7 months of age. The youngest age group had mostly femur and tibia fractures, the oldest mostly forearm fractures (n = 55, 33.9%), followed by tibia fractures (21.6%) and fractures to the clavicle (14.8%). The reported mechanisms for the 162 fractures were fall from a chair/bed/table (41.4%), fall from own height (18.5%) or crush injury (15.4%). In 8 of 162 (4.9%) fractures, the history was clearly inconsistent and suspicious of non-accidental injury (NAI).ConclusionInjuries and fractures in young children in general, and non-ambulant children in particular, are rare and should be thoroughly assessed for NAI. Level of evidence: Retrospective, population based cross-sectional study. Level 3.

Complications after Thoracocentesis and Chest Drain Insertion: A Single Centre Study from the North East of England

Introduction: There are no prospective studies looking at complications of pleural procedures. Previous British Thoracic Society Pleural audits and retrospective case series inform current practice. Incidence of any complication is between 1–15%. We sought to add to the existing literature and inform local practice with regards to intercostal drains and thoracocenteses. Methods: Local Caldicott approval was sought for a review of all inpatient adult pleural procedures coded as ‘T122 drainage of pleural cavity’ and ‘T124 insertion of tube drain into pleural cavity’. Those undergoing thoracocentesis (all with a Rocket 6 Fg catheter) and intercostal drain insertion (ICD, all with Rocket 12 Fg drain) were identified. Continuous variables are presented as mean (±range) and categorical variables as percentages where appropriate. Results: 1159 procedures were identified. A total of 199 and 960 were done for pneumothorax and effusions respectively. Mean age was 68.1 years (18–97). There were 280 thoracocenteses and 879 ICDs. Bleeding occurred in 6 (0.5%), all ICDs (clotting and platelets were within normal range; one patient was on aspirin and one on aspirin and clopidogrel). All settled except for one who had intercostal artery rupture needing cardiothoracic intervention (no anti-coagulation). Nine pneumothoraces occurred (0.78%) in seven ICDs and two aspirations). There were three definite pleural space infections (0.3%) with three ICDs. Fall out rates for ICDs were 35 (3%). Nine were not sutured, and out of those, seven inserted in the Accident and Emergency department, out of hours. All others ‘came out’ due to patient factors (previous quoted rates up to 14%). Surgical emphysema occurred in 43 (41 ICDs), 3.7%. Eight were due to fall outs and three required surgical intervention. There was no re-expansion pulmonary oedema nor direct deaths. Conclusions: Complication rates of ICD and thoracocenteses are low. Checklists might help to remind operators of the need for suturing. Limitations of this study are its retrospective nature and reliance on correct hospital coding. We are currently contributing to a prospective observational study on pleural complications.

Healthcare inequalities in emergency visits and hospitalisation at the end of life: a study of 395 019 public hospital records

ObjectivesTo investigate whether there were any socioeconomic disparities in utilisation of hospital care services during end of life in Hong Kong.MethodsSecondary data analyses were conducted using frequency of the accident...

HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS’ FACTORS INFLUENCING TRAUMA CARE PREPAREDNESS IN ACCIDENT AND EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT OF SELECTED HOSPITALS IN KAKAMEGA COUNTY, KENYA

Purpose: The main objective of the study was to determine health care provider factor influencing trauma care preparedness among health care providers working in accident and emergency department of the selected hospitals.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional Analytic study. Census sampling was used to select General Practitioner hospitals. Systematic sampling technique was used to choose study participants from 11 selected hospitals. The study participants were 183 health care providers (Doctors, Clinical Officers and Nurses) working in the selected hospitals’ accident and emergency departments. Data was collected using structured questionnaires and observation checklists. Data was analyzed using statistical package for Social Science software version 22.0. Inferential statistics were used to test the strength of association. &#x0D; Findings; Health care providers’ factors that influenced trauma care preparedness were; specific training on trauma care (p=0.002), attending Continuing medical education (p=0.0008) and duration when last update was received (p= 0.04). &#x0D; Unique contributions to Theory, Practice and Policy: Trauma related training, trauma related continuing medical education and duration when last trauma update was received influence trauma. Health care providers working in accident and emergency department should undergo trauma related training and get frequent updates on trauma care.