Standardised management of atraumatic epistaxis for improved outcomes in an emergency department with off-site ear, nose and throat cover - A quality improvement project.

ABSTRACT:

Problem description

Otorhinolaryngology services are not available in all hospitals and atraumatic epistaxis is a common presentation to Emergency Departments (ED). Not all ED staff are experienced in managing epistaxis and there appeared to be a high rate of re-bleeding after treatment provided. We aimed to improve outcome for ED patients presenting with atraumatic epistaxis and staff conditions by creating a Departmental pathway outlining a management plan and ensuring all equipment needed was readily available.

Methods

A retrospective 6-month audit was done to assess current management and re-bleed percentage rates post nasal packing. A team was assembled, stocked a trolley, created an Atraumatic epistaxis ED pathway and promoted its use by staff. Repeated Plan-Do-Study-A

SUBMITTER: Obuseh E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7700982 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature