District General Hospital In England Research Articles

Comparison of early surgical outcomes of robotic and laparoscopic colorectal cancer resection reported by a busy district general hospital in England

Robotic platforms provide a stable tool with high-definition views and improved ergonomics compared to laparoscopic approaches. The aim of this retrospective study was to compare the intra- and short-term postoperative results of oncological resections performed robotically (RCR) and laparoscopically (LCR) at a single centre. Between February 2020 and October 2022, retrospective data on RCR were compared to LCR undertaken during the same period. Parameters compared include total operative time, length of stay (LOS), re-admission rates, 30-day morbidity. 100 RCR and 112 LCR satisfied inclusion criteria. There was no difference between the two group’s demographic and tumour characteristics. Overall, median operative time was shorter in LCR group [200 vs. 247.5 min, p < 0.005], but this advantage was not observed with pelvic and muti-quadrant resections. There was no difference in the rate of conversion [5(5%) vs. 5(4.5%), p > 0.95]. With respect to perioperative outcomes, there was no difference in the overall morbidity, or mortality between RCR and LCR, in particular requirement for blood transfusion [3(3%) vs. 5(4.5%), p 0.72], prolonged ileus [9(9%) vs. 15(13.2%), p 0.38], surgical site infections [5(4%) vs. 5(4.4%), p > 0.95], anastomotic leak [7(7%) vs. 5(4.4%), p 0.55], and re-operation rate [9(9%) vs. 7(6.3%), p 0.6]. RCR had shorter LOS by one night, but this did not reach statistical significance. No difference was observed in completeness of resection but there was a statically significant increase in lymph node harvest in the robotic series. Robotic approach to oncological colorectal resections is safe, with comparable intra- and peri-operative morbidity and mortality to laparoscopic surgery.

The economic and resource burden of e-scooter-related orthopaedic injuries: A district general hospital's experience

PurposeElectric scooters (e-scooters) are an increasingly popular method of transportation worldwide. However, there are concerns regarding their safety, specifically with regards to orthopaedic injuries. We aimed to investigate the overall burden and financial impact on orthopaedic services as a result of e-scooter-related orthopaedic injuries. MethodsWe retrospectively identified all e-scooter-related injuries requiring orthopaedic admission or surgical intervention in a large District General Hospital in England over a 16-month period between September 2020 and December 2021. Injuries sustained, surgical management, inpatient stay and resources used were calculated. ResultsSeventy-nine patients presented with orthopaedic injuries as a result of e-scooter transportation with a mean age of 30.1 years (SD 11.6), of which 62 were males and 17 were females. A total of 86 individual orthopaedic injuries were sustained, with fractures being the most common type of injury. Of these, 23 patients required 28 individual surgical procedures. The combined theatre and recovery time of these procedures was 5500 min, while isolated operating time was 2088 min. The total cost of theatre running time for these patients was estimated at £77,000. A total of 17 patients required hospital admission under Trauma and Orthopaedics, which accounted for total combined stay of 99 days with a mean length of stay of 5.8 days. ConclusionWhile there are potential environmental benefits to e-scooters, we demonstrate the risks of injury associated with their use and the associated increased burden to the healthcare system through additional emergency attendances, frequent outpatient clinic appointments, surgical procedures, and hospital inpatient admissions.

Outcomes of Guided Personalized Surgery (GPS)-Navigated Reverse Polarity Total Shoulder Joint Replacement in a Low-Volume Hospital.

Introduction Reversepolarity shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) is an evolving surgery, and its indications have expanded over time. Apart from cuff tear arthropathy (CTA), it is recommended for complex proximal humerus fractures in the elderly, inflammatory arthritis, primary osteoarthritis in the elderly, and revision for failed hemiarthroplasty. Glenoid base plate placement and fixation are important to prevent complications, especially glenoid base plate loosening, dislocation, and scapular notching, and to improve longevity. Guided personalized surgery (GPS)-navigated RSA was devised to optimize the glenoid base plate position and fixation. Methodology A retrospective study was carried out in a low-volume district general hospital in England. All the patients who underwent GPS-navigated RSA were included. Their preoperative glenoid version, bone stock, glenoid base plate, and glenoid screw lengths were analysed. Preoperative and post-surgery patient-reported outcomes were gathered using the Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS) at six months and annually thereafter. Results Fourteen patients have undergone GPS-navigated RSA in our institute since 2018. Ten patients were female. All of them had a retroverted glenoid with a mean value of 13.6 degrees. Ten out of 14 patients had an augmented glenoid base plate. This included six eight-degree posterior augmentations, three 10-degree superior augmentations, and one extended cage peg. The follow-up period was six months to five years, depending on the date of surgery, and none of the patients dropped out of follow-up. The OSS revealed statistically significant improvement from preoperative values to six months postoperative, an improvement of 21.64±7.175. It also showed progressive improvement over time during postoperative follow-up, and the three-year mean was 47. The commonest complication was fractures, which happened in four cases. There were no infections or dislocations. Discussion Guided personalized surgery-navigated RSA was performed on selected patients at our institution when they were not suitable for conventional RSA due to distorted glenoid anatomy. Glenoid base plate positioning and fixation are important to optimize the outcome of RSA. Guided personalized surgery navigation is helpful in achieving optimum glenoid base placement, especially when the normal glenoid anatomy is distorted. There were no dislocations, glenoid base plate loosening, or scapular notching in the study group. There were four reported fractures, which was comparable with the published literature.

Abstract #1603999: Audit on Management of Moderate and Severe Hypernatremia in Hospitalized Patients in a District General Hospital in England

Abstract #1603999: Audit on Management of Moderate and Severe Hypernatremia in Hospitalized Patients in a District General Hospital in England

A cross-sectional study of hospital pharmacists communicating medication changes at discharge

Abstract Introduction Medication discrepancies can happen at transitions of care and there are recognised problems with the content of discharge letters.1 We introduced a discharge medication reconciliation process that was shown to improve the quality of medication information in discharge summaries.2 This involves pharmacists recording any changes to patient’s medication in the electronic prescribing system during the inpatient stay and summarising these changes on discharge in a discharge medication reconciliation (DMR) note. Though this is part of routine clinical pharmacy practice we have not directly quantified these notes in comparison to standards for the clinical structure and content of patient records,3 nor have we examined which medication classes are commented upon by our pharmacists. Aim To characterise the type of medication changes that pharmacists describe and the classes of medication that warrants such attention. Methods A retrospective study of a purposive sample of 100 patient episodes where a DMR note was recorded at a 750-bed teaching district general hospital in England. We classified the text of the DMR note using the four categories (added, amended, on hold, and discontinued) in the eDischarge Summary Standard,3 plus four further categories. The actual medication named was categorised according to the main BNF therapeutic chapters. Data were collated and analysed using Microsoft Excel. As this project falls under the definition of a service evaluation, according to UK NHS Research Ethics Committees, formal ethical approval was not required. This project was registered on the hospital’s clinical audit database. Results Data were extracted for 100 discharges from early 2023. The mean age was 70 years (range 12 to 96), and 40% were male. In total, 352 medicines were named in the DMR notes with 184 (52%) recorded as added, 41 (12%) amended, 32 (9%) on hold, and 42 (12%) discontinued. For 32 (9%) instances the DMR note specifically referred to continuation of medication; in 12 (3%) instances to monitoring required; and 22 (6%) instances fell into other category. For 33 (33%) of episodes there was a note indicating that no changes had been made to other pre-admission medication during the hospital stay. Of the medication attracting a DMR note, the main chapters were cardiovascular 162 (46%), gastrointestinal 45 (13%), central nervous system 40 (11%), and 28 (8%) each for infection and for blood and nutrition. Discussion/Conclusion For this sample of patients who undergo a DMR process, the pharmacy team clarified medication changes at a mean rate of 3.5 changes per patient. Addition of medication was the most common event. The most frequent class of medication attracting a DMR note may be a reflection of the cardiovascular morbidities of patients as well as perceived adverse effects as 27/32 ‘on hold’ notes were for cardiovascular medication. Limitations of this study include the patient sample being collected in one hospital, hence results may not be generalizable. There was no attempt to ascertain if the DMR notes added value to primary care medicines reconciliation process.

1161 The Financial Impact of Electric Scooter Orthopaedic Injuries at a Large District General Hospital in England

Abstract Aim Electric scooters are becoming an increasingly popular method of transportation in major urban cities worldwide. As their popularity gains, there are concerns about safety and injuries sustained, of which significant proportion are orthopaedic injuries. The aim of this study was to see the financial impact of e-scooter related orthopaedic injuries. Method In a retrospective study, we investigated the overall burden and the financial impact of the orthopaedic injuries as a result of the use of e-scooter transportation in a large District General Hospital in England over a 16-month period between September 2020 and December 2021. Results Seventy-nine patients were identified with a mean age of 30.1 years (SD 11.6). Sixty-two of these patients were males and seventeen were females. There were eighty-six orthopaedic injuries, with fractures being the most occurring type of injury. Twenty-three patients required twenty-eight different surgical procedures. The combined theatre and recovery time was 5500 minutes, while the surgical procedures operating time was 2088 minutes. The cost total cost of theatre running time for these patients was £77,000. Seventeen patients required hospital admission under Trauma and Orthopaedics, which accounted for total stay of ninety-nine days with a mean length of stay of 5.8 days per patient. Conclusions We have demonstrated that although there are environmental benefits to e-scooters; there have been a significant increase in healthcare system burden as demonstrated by additional emergency attendances, frequent outpatient clinic appointments, surgical procedures, and hospital inpatient admissions.

COVID-19 vaccination uptake in 441 socially and ethnically diverse pregnant women.

To explore COVID-19 vaccination uptake, facilitators and barriers in ethnically-diverse pregnant women. An anonymous quality improvement questionnaire survey exploring COVID-19 vaccination uptake, causes of vaccine hesitancy and trusted sources of information among pregnant women in two acute district general hospitals in England (Berkshire and Surrey) between 1.9.21 and 28.2.22. 441 pregnant women attending routine antenatal clinic appointments. Consented pregnant women completed the survey either electronically using a QR code or on paper. Descriptive data were summarised and free text responses were thematically analysed. 441 pregnant women, mean age 32 years (range 17-44), completed the survey. Twenty-six percent were from ethnic minority groups, and 31% had a co-morbid health condition. Most respondents (66.2%) had been vaccinated against COVID-19 with at least one dose (White British 71.9%, Asian 67.9%, White-other 63.6%, Black 33%). The most common reasons for not being vaccinated were concerns about effects on the unborn baby and future pregnancies, anxiety about possible adverse impact on the mother, not enough known about the vaccine, and lack of trust in vaccines. Comments included: "I'd rather not risk injecting the unknown into my body", and "I don't trust it." Although 23% used social media for information on COVID-19 vaccination, the most trusted sources were the patient's GP and midwife (43%) and official health-related websites such as NHS (39%). A third of these pregnant women had not been vaccinated against COVID-19. Trusted health professionals like midwives and GPs could have a crucial role in increasing vaccination uptake.

TH7.3 Is CT a valid tool for diagnosing acute appendicitis in patients aged 40 or older?

Abstract To establish whether computerised tomography abdomen and pelvis (CTAP) with contrast is a necessary tool in the diagnosis of acute appendicitis in those aged 40 years or older compared to clinical assessment alone. The study was performed in a district general hospital in England. A retrospective analysis included 314 patients aged 40 years or older who presented between 3rd October 2020 and 31st October 2021 and received a CTAP with contrast where the request queried appendicitis. An Alvarado score was calculated for each patient as a measure of clinical likelihood of appendicitis based on documentation from their initial assessment by a General Surgeon. CTAP demonstrated evidence of acute appendicitis in 46.1% of patients. CTAP diagnosed alternative pathologies in 41.1% of patients. These included diverticulitis (10.5%), gynaecological pathology (4.5%), urological pathology (3.2%), malignancy (2.9%) and others (19.4%). 11.8% demonstrated no cause for symptoms. Furthermore, those with an Alvarado score of 9 or more, 94.9% had a CTAP reporting appendicitis. With scores of 3–8, only 49.4% had a CT finding of appendicitis and this dropped to 5.0% with scores of 0–2. This study supports using CTAP to aid in diagnosing appendicitis in patients aged 40 years or older with Alvarado scores of 8 or less. However, patients scoring 9 or more had a 94.4% positive finding of acute appendicitis on CTAP, thus potentially negating the need for a CTAP scan pre-operatively. Alvarado scores of 2 or less suggest an alternative diagnosis is more likely, however CTAP may still be a valid investigation.

TU2.12 Experience of Elective Colorectal Cancer Surgery at District General Hospital (DGH): Single centre study

Abstract Background Elective colorectal resection surgery is one of the most common surgical procedures performed for bowel cancer treatment. This study evaluates the whole practice of colorectal cancer surgery in a DGH in England. Aims The primary outcome is to measure postoperative length of stay (LOS), with secondary outcomes including approach of surgical operation and conversion rate, R0 resection, VTE prophylaxis and its compliance with NICE guidelines, postoperative DVT over a period of one year, readmission rate within 30 days of discharge and reasons for readmission. Methods A single centre, retrospective, observational study was performed over a period of a year from January 2018 –January 2019. Patients were eligible for study inclusion if they had undergone planned surgical resection for colorectal cancer after being discussed in the local colorectal cancer MDT. Results A total of 123 patients were included. Mean length of stay was 7.97 days. 74.7% of the procedures were performed by laparoscopic approach with conversion rate of 6.5%. R0 resection was achieved in 95.1%. 96.7% of patients who underwent surgery for colorectal cancer received extended VTE prophylaxis as per NICE guidelines. Six patients had developed post-operative DVT and one inpatient death recorded. 13.8% of patients that underwent colorectal surgery for cancer were readmitted within 30 days of discharge. SBO, abdominal/pelvic collection, wound dehiscence and SSI as the most common reasons for readmission. Conclusion Laparoscopic approach is the preferred method for elective colorectal resection surgeries with acceptable measures of patient outcome including R0 resection, postoperative length of stay, DVT and readmission rate.

The benefits of index telephone consultations in patients referred on the two-week wait colorectal cancer pathway.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic led to hospitals in the UK substituting face-to-face (FtF) clinics with virtual clinic (VC) appointments. We evaluated the use of virtual two-week wait (2-ww) lower gastrointestinal (LGI) clinic appointments, conducted using telephone calls at a district general hospital in England. Patients undergoing index outpatient 2-ww LGI clinic assessment between 1 June 2019 and 31 October 2019 (FtF group) and 1 June 2020 and 31 October 2020 (VC group) were identified. Relevant data were obtained using electronic patient records. Compliance with national cancer waiting time targets was assessed. Environmental and financial impact analyses were performed. In total, 1,531 patients were analysed (median age=70, male=852, 55.6%). Of these, 757 (49.4%) were assessed virtually via telephone; the remainder were seen FtF (n=774, 50.6%). Ninety-two (6%, VC=44, FtF=48) patients had malignant pathology and 64 (4.2%) had colorectal cancer (CRC); of these, 46 (71.9%, VC=26, FtF=20) underwent treatment with curative intent. The median waiting times to index appointment, investigation and diagnosis were significantly lower following VC assessment (p<0.001). The cancer detection rates (p=0.749), treatments received (p=0.785) and median time to index treatment for CRC patients (p=0.156) were similar. A significantly higher proportion of patients were seen within two weeks of referral in the VC group (p<0.001). VC appointments saved patients a total of 9,288 miles, 0.7 metric tonnes of CO2 emissions and £7,482.97. Taxpayers saved £80,242.00 from VCs. No formal complaints were received from patients or staff in the VC group. Virtual 2-ww LGI clinics were effective, safe and were associated with tangible environmental and financial benefits.

409 The impact of inadequate pain control following chest trauma on hospital acquired pneumonia rate and hospital admission length

Abstract Introduction Patients with blunt chest wall injuries often have severe associated injuries and even isolated chest injuries may have a high mortality and morbidity. The National Audit Office (2010) report estimated that there are 20,000 cases of major trauma per year in England; 5,400 people die of their injuries with many others sustaining permanent disability. Aim To assess compliance with trust guidelines for chest trauma pathway and the impact of poorly controlled pain on hospital acquired pneumonia (HAP) rate and hospital admission length Method A retrospective audit of all chest trauma between October 2019 to February 2020. Data obtained from electronic patient records and admission notes. Patients notes and imaging records are used to analyse adequate pain control based on local chest trauma pathways. Results 28 patients identified (M:F 15:13) aged 47-94 yrs old (average age 73) who suffered from chest trauma in a district general hospital in England. Chest trauma was associated with high levels of morbidity (32%) and mortality (7%). 39% of patients were found to have inadequate pain control based on the local chest trauma pathway. 33% of chest trauma patients developed a HAP and 44% of pts with inadequate pain control developed a HAP. The admission length of patients with HAP secondary to chest trauma was on average three times longer relative to uncomplicated patients (15 days vs 5 days). Conclusions Chest trauma patients often receive inadequate pain control and delayed specialist team input. This results in an increase in the frequency of HAPs and admission length.

Incidence and Risk Factors for Surgical Site Infection following Emergency Cesarean Section: A Retrospective Case-Control Study.

To assess the incidence, risk, and associated factors that contribute to an acquired surgical site infection (SSI) after emergency cesarean section (CS). This retrospective case-control study was conducted in an acute district general hospital in England with 206 patients (101 SSI patients and 105 non-SSI patients) who had an emergency CS in 2017. Grade of surgeon, smoking status, preoperative vaginal swab status (positive or negative), diabetes status, age, body mass index, membrane rupture to delivery interval, and length of surgery were recorded. Risk factors were identified using simple and multiple logistic regression. Body mass index was significantly associated with SSI (odds ratio, 1.17; 95% confidence interval, 1.11 to 1.24; P < .001). Further, substantive nonsignificant associations were recorded between SSI and patient age and vaginal swab status. Body mass index was the only significant risk factor for the development of an SSI after emergency CS, possibly because of the impact of excessive adipose tissue on the immune system and reduced effectiveness of antibiotics. Diabetes status, patient age, and preoperative vaginal swab status were not significantly associated with SSI. Improved guidelines and strategies for managing at-risk patients would enable clinicians to reduce the risk of SSI development. The importance of wound management including frequent wound cleaning, appropriate dressings, dressing changes, and education is highlighted. Future research on larger samples should be conducted to validate these findings.

Exploring pharmacist involvement in the discharge medicines reconciliation process and information transfer to primary care: an observational study.

Background Medication errors can occur because of incomplete or poorly communicated information at the transition from hospital to community. Following an audit in 2016, a project was undertaken to determine if pharmacists could improve the quality of medication information in discharge summaries by introducing a discharge medication reconciliation process. Pharmacists recorded any changes to the patient's medication in the electronic prescribing system during their inpatient stay and summarised these changes on discharge. Objective To compare medication information in discharge summaries with recognised standards for the clinical structure and content of patient records, and to assess the impact of the pharmacist process on compliance with certain elements of these standards. Setting A 750 bed teaching district general hospital in England. Method A retrospective observational study examining all patient discharge summaries over a 1week period for compliance to national standards. Main outcome measure The main outcome measures were compliance with standards for medication started, stopped or changed in hospital and any differences between extent of recording this information by doctors and pharmacists. Results Data were collected and analysed for 243 patients, of whom 94 (38.7%) attracted a discharge medicines reconciliation process by a pharmacist. Discharge summaries were compliant with basic standards for changed medication in 42% of patients or 51.4% with the input of a pharmacist. This increase of 9.4% was statistically significant (p = 0.0365). At an enhanced level, pharmacists increased compliance from 39.1 to 46.5%, this did not represent a significant increase (p = 0.0989). Conclusion Pharmacists undertaking a discharge medication reconciliation process significantly improves the quality of discharge summaries.

The impact of penicillin allergy de-labelling on the WHO AWaRe antibiotic categories: a retrospective cohort study

The WHO's AWaRe classification categorizes antibiotics into three stewardship groups: Access, Watch and Reserve. The Access group includes antibiotics with lower resistance potential than antibiotics in the other two groups. The UK five-year AMR strategy has set targets for reducing non-Access antibiotic use. The majority of penicillins are in the Access group and therefore patients with a penicillin allergy record are likely to receive more non-Access antibiotics. This study aimed to quantify the impact of penicillin allergy records on non-Access antibiotic prescribing and to estimate potential reductions in non-Access antibiotic use through penicillin allergy de-labelling. Inpatients of a 750-patient-bed UK district general hospital in England prescribed antibiotics between 1st April 2018 and 31st March 2019 were included. Variables included: age, sex, co-morbidity, infection treated, antibiotic usage, hospital length of stay, penicillin allergy status. Multivariable logistic regression was used to explore the association between patient characteristics and their receipt of antibiotics in the Access and non-Access groups. A total of 67,059 antibiotic prescriptions for 23,356 inpatients were analysed. Penicillin allergy records were present in 14.3% of hospital admissions. Patients with a penicillin allergy record were around four times more likely (odds ratio= 4.7) to receive an antibiotic from the non-Access groups (i.e. Reserve and Watch groups). We estimate de-labelling 50% of hospital inpatients with a penicillin allergy record could reduce non-Access antibiotic use by 5.8% and total antibiotic use by 0.86%. Penicillin allergy records are associated with non-Access antibiotic prescribing. Penicillin allergy de-labelling has potential to reduce non-Access antibiotic use.

Acute General Surgical Emergency and COVID-19 Is a Pandemic Challenge for Surgeons: A United Kingdom-Based Practical Experience.

Transmission of coronavirus (COVID-19) is a considerable risk during the perioperative period of emergency surgery. A prospective observational study was performed between March 30, 2020, and June 30, 2020, at a large District General Hospital in England. The primary outcome was perioperative COVID-19-related complications, and secondary outcome measures included incidence of COVID-19 infections among the acute surgical patients, doctors, and healthcare workers. A total of 584 patients admitted through the emergency surgical pathway and 43% (n = 253) underwent surgical intervention. Approximately 5% (n = 30) patients contracted COVID-19 during the perioperative period and 6 of them died. Eight surgical doctors and 11 theater staff were confirmed for COVID-19 by swab test. Acute surgical emergencies and perioperative management of the urgent surgical patients during the COVID-19 pandemic is a global challenge, but adequate preparedness and strategic plan to adjust the surgical services can reduce the exposures to this highly contagious virus.

Stimulan® Antibiotic Impregnated Beads for the Treatment of Diabetic Foot Infection

Context: Limited evidence has been found on the effectiveness of Stimulan® antibiotic beads for the treatment of diabetic foot ulcer. Aims: The aim of the study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of Stimulan® antibiotic beads in treating diabetic foot infection and review the healing rate, infection recurrence rate, and the length of postoperative hospital stay. Settings and Design: It was a retrospective review of patients implanted with Stimulan® antibiotic beads at a district general hospital in England from 2017 to 2019. Subjects and Methods: Nineteen patients with Wagner Grade 3 and 4 ulcers were included, with a mean age of 62.3 years. Stimulan®, an antibiotic loaded absorbable calcium sulfate biocomposite, was used to treat persistent diabetic foot infection with chronic osteomyelitis. Staphylococcus aureus was the most common bacteria isolated. Exclusion criteria consisted of those with Wagner Grade 1 or 2 ulcers and infections that had clinically responded to long courses of systemic antibiotics treatment. Results: All patients underwent local wound debridement with the application of Stimulan® beads and received intravenous antibiotics for 48 h postoperatively. The average postoperative hospital stay was 2 days. After 1 month of follow-up, 16 wounds (84%) fully healed, two wounds (11%) had partially healed, and one wound (5%) showed no sign of healing. Two patients (11%) had shown recurrence of diabetic foot infection in a different foot after 24 months. Amputation rate was 0% over 24 months. Conclusions: This study recorded the clinical efficacy of Stimulan® antibiotic beads by demonstrating 0% amputation rate after two years and shortened hospital stay. With a low recurrence rate (16%), Stimulan® beads could be considered as one of the alternative treatments in managing diabetic foot infection.

The impact of COVID-19 on elective and trauma spine service in a district general hospital.

AimsThe aim of this paper is to describe the impact of COVID-19 on spine surgery services in a district general hospital in England in order to understand the spinal service provisions that may be required during a pandemic.MethodsA prospective cohort study was undertaken between 17 March 2020 and 30 April 2020 and compared with retrospective data from same time period in 2019. We compared the number of patients requiring acute hospital admission or orthopaedic referrals and indications of referrals from our admission sheets and obtained operative data from our theatre software.ResultsBetween 17 March to 30 April 2020, there were 48 acute spine referrals as compared to 68 acute referrals during the same time period last year. In the 2019 period, 69% (47/68) of cases referred to the on-call team presented with back pain, radiculopathy or myelopathy compared to 43% (21/48) in the 2020 period. Almost 20% (14/68) of spine referrals consisted of spine trauma as compared to 35% (17/48) this year. There were no confirmed cases of cauda equine last year during this time. Overall, 150 spine cases were carried out during this time period last year, and 261 spine elective cases were cancelled since 17 March 2020.RecommendationsWe recommend following steps can be helpful to deal with similar situations or new pandemics in future:24 hours on-call spine service during the pandemic.Clinical criteria in place to prioritize urgent spinal cases.Pre-screening spine patients before elective operating.Start of separate specialist trauma list for patients needing urgent surgeries.ConclusionThis paper highlights the impact of COVID-19 pandemic in a district general hospital of England. We demonstrate a decrease in hospital attendances of spine pathologies, despite an increase in emergency spine operations.Cite this article: Bone Joint Open 2020;1-6:281–286.

The impact of COVID-19 on elective and trauma spine service in a district general hospital

Aims The aim of this paper is to describe the impact of COVID-19 on spine surgery services in a district general hospital in England in order to understand the spinal service provisions that may be required during a pandemic. Methods A prospective cohort study was undertaken between 17 March 2020 and 30 April 2020 and compared with retrospective data from same time period in 2019. We compared the number of patients requiring acute hospital admission or orthopaedic referrals and indications of referrals from our admission sheets and obtained operative data from our theatre software. Results Between 17 March to 30 April 2020, there were 48 acute spine referrals as compared to 68 acute referrals during the same time period last year. In the 2019 period, 69% (47/68) of cases referred to the on-call team presented with back pain, radiculopathy or myelopathy compared to 43% (21/48) in the 2020 period. Almost 20% (14/68) of spine referrals consisted of spine trauma as compared to 35% (17/48) this year. There were no confirmed cases of cauda equine last year during this time. Overall, 150 spine cases were carried out during this time period last year, and 261 spine elective cases were cancelled since 17 March 2020. Recommendations We recommend following steps can be helpful to deal with similar situations or new pandemics in future: 24 hours on-call spine service during the pandemic. Clinical criteria in place to prioritize urgent spinal cases. Pre-screening spine patients before elective operating. Start of separate specialist trauma list for patients needing urgent surgeries. Conclusion This paper highlights the impact of COVID-19 pandemic in a district general hospital of England. We demonstrate a decrease in hospital attendances of spine pathologies, despite an increase in emergency spine operations. Cite this article: Bone Joint Open 2020;1-6:281–286.

N05 IBDoc® Faecal calprotectin self-test retrospective audit in a District General Hospital (DGH)

Abstract Background In 2016, a DGH in England commenced the IBDoc® Faecal calprotectin test. Using smart phone technology, the test can provide results as quickly as 2 hrs. An audit of patients who trialled the test was presented at ECCO in 2017; this abstract looked at the value of the tests and helped to show the investigations worth to the DGH trust. The continued use of the test at the trust has recently been audited and these data are presented by the authors to help further understand the benefit. Methods A retrospective audit of patients enrolled on the IBDoc® between July 2017 and October 2019 was carried out by the IBD nursing team. Electronic patient records were searched and corresponding endoscopic assessments that had been carried out within 6 months of the most recent IBDoc® results, were documented for each patient. The terms normal/mild, moderate and severe were used to categorise inflammation seen at colonoscopy, flexible-sigmoidoscopy (C/FS) and/or histopathology (HP). The IBDoc® uses the categories normal (&amp;lt;150) moderate (&amp;lt;400), and high (&amp;gt;400); these values have been set locally easy comparison of these data is possible due to the three levels of stratification. The reason for the endoscopic investigation was also documented. In the sample where no endoscopic investigation was recorded, outcomes were categorised into three groups; well (W), increase monitoring (IM), and treatment adjustment required (TAR). Results 134 patients are signed up to the IBDoc®, 23 patients failed to carry out the test successfully (CD 14 and UC 9). 6 did not accept a test in clinic due to changing their mind or failure in smart phone technology, 12 did not do the test before expiry* and 5 failed to give a result due to difficulties completing the test. *Myriad of reasons were given for not doing the test and another paper could be written to attempt to understand the persons motivation for not completing the test. Of the 111 patients’ (CD 55, UC 56, IBDU 2 and non-IBD 2), 80 patients did not undergo a C/FS, of the 31 that did, correlation between calprotectin, C/FS and/or HP result was 84%. at 100% best correlation was seen in the severe C/FS results and high IBDoc® results. C/FS were carried out for diagnosis (n =10) surveillance (n =4) and disease assessment (n = 17). In the 80 patients with no colonoscopy’s were assessed for outcomes and are: W. n = 39; IM. n = 19; TAR. n = 23. Conclusion The above data shows continuing value of the IBDoc® faecal calprotectin self-test, and there is correlation seen in the comparative results. This data also helps separate well from unwell patients, offering further opportunities to promote supported self-management in people with IBD and prioritisation of clinic appointments.

Patient characteristics and predictors of mortality in 470 adults admitted to a district general hospital in England with Covid-19.

Understanding risk factors for death from Covid-19 is key to providing good quality clinical care. We assessed the presenting characteristics of the 'first wave' of patients with Covid-19 at Royal Oldham Hospital, UK and undertook logistic regression modelling to investigate factors associated with death. Of 470 patients admitted, 169 (36%) died. The median age was 71 years (interquartile range 57-82), and 255 (54.3%) were men. The most common comorbidities were hypertension (n = 218, 46.4%), diabetes (n = 143, 30.4%) and chronic neurological disease (n = 123, 26.1%). The most frequent complications were acute kidney injury (AKI) (n = 157, 33.4%) and myocardial injury (n = 21, 4.5%). Forty-three (9.1%) patients required intubation and ventilation, and 39 (8.3%) received non-invasive ventilation. Independent risk factors for death were increasing age (odds ratio (OR) per 10 year increase above 40 years 1.87, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.57-2.27), hypertension (OR 1.72, 95% CI 1.10-2.70), cancer (OR 2.20, 95% CI 1.27-3.81), platelets <150 × 103/μl (OR 1.93, 95% CI 1.13-3.30), C-reactive protein ≥100 μg/ml (OR 1.68, 95% CI 1.05-2.68), >50% chest radiograph infiltrates (OR 2.09, 95% CI 1.16-3.77) and AKI (OR 2.60, 95% CI 1.64-4.13). There was no independent association between death and gender, ethnicity, deprivation level, fever, SpO2/FiO2, lymphopoenia or other comorbidities. These findings will inform clinical and shared decision making, including use of respiratory support and therapeutic agents.