Accident and emergency nursing – clinical audit

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Kitching, Holly (2010) Accident and emergency nursing – clinical audit. [Dissertation (University of Nottingham only)] (Unpublished)

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Abstract

Abstract

The aim of this audit is to measure current practice in minor head injury management in an emergency department against the recommendations stated in the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) (2007) guidelines for Head injury: Triage, assessment, investigation and early management of head injury in infants, children and adults.

Objectives

Is to determine the impact on workload in the emergency department in-relation to the implementation of the NICE head injury guidelines. In particular initial assessment within 15 minutes of arrival and on patient discharge is appropriate information given about care at home.

Method

A retrospective audit method to collect data from 150 patient notes over a two month period on patients presenting to the emergency department with minor head injury. Any re-attendees for the same injury and with superficial facial injury were excluded. Patients included were to be of 15 years of age or older. Results will be analysed using statistical method, to see if the observed nominal data is significantly different from the standard set in the NICE head injury guidelines.

Results

Twenty one patients underwent a head CT all in accordance with the NICE guidelines and within the time parameters set in the criteria. 100% (statistically significant) of patient notes audited were assessed by a trained member of staff, 60% of these were seen within 15minutes of arrival. Only 58% of patients had there Glasgow coma score assessed in the initial assessment.

Conclusion

The majority of minor head injured patients are discharged home with head injury advice written and verbal. Education needs to be given to all nursing staff in the emergency department regarding the NICE head injury guidelines with most reference to the importance of Glasgow coma scale and quality documentation in the initial assessment.

Item Type: Dissertation (University of Nottingham only)
Depositing User: EP, Services
Date Deposited: 01 Feb 2011 09:48
Last Modified: 15 Feb 2018 05:24
URI: https://eprints.nottingham.ac.uk/id/eprint/23634

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