Injury
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Multicenter Study Observational Study
Management and outcomes of rib fractures in patients with isolated blunt thoracic trauma: Results of the Aotearoa New Zealand RiBZ study.
Rib fractures are common and associated with significant morbidity and mortality. There is limited literature on patient care and outcomes in Aotearoa New Zealand (AoNZ). The aim of this study is to describe key clinical outcomes and management interventions for patients with rib fractures across AoNZ. ⋯ This study describes clinical outcomes for patients with isolated rib fractures from multiple hospitals in AoNZ. A moderate pneumonia rate of 11% was found which is likely amendable to reduction with quality improvement initiatives. Consideration should be given to further resource and improve the access to SSRF and regional analgesia given the low utilization found across AoNZ. A higher re-presentation rate in Māori and elderly patients was found which needs further investigation.
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High flow nasal cannula (HFNC) use reduces work of breathing and improves oxygenation for patients with hypoxemic respiratory failure. Limited prior work has explored protocolized use of HFNC for trauma patients outside the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). The purpose of this study is to describe and evaluate use of HFNC for patients with rib fractures when therapy was standard of care on all floors of the hospital. ⋯ Findings suggest that HFNC therapy can be safely initiated and managed on all hospital floors for patients with multiple rib fractures. Making the therapy available outside the ICU may reduce healthcare resource use without adversely affecting patient outcomes.
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Severe chest injuries are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Surgical rib fixation has become a more commonplace procedure to improve chest wall mechanics, pain, and function. The aim of this study was to characterise the epidemiology and long-term functional outcomes of chest trauma patients who underwent rib fixation in a major trauma centre (MTC). ⋯ Rib fixation was associated with good long-term outcomes in severely injured patients. Age was the only predictor of long-term outcome. The results suggest that rib fixation be considered in patients with severe chest injuries and may also benefit those who are not mechanically ventilated but are at risk of deterioration.
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Blunt chest injury in older adults, aged 65 years and older, leads to significant morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a multidisciplinary chest injury care bundle (ChIP) on patient and health service outcomes in older adults with blunt chest injury. ⋯ Implementation of ChIP using the Behaviour Change Wheel was associated with reduced unplanned ICU admissions and NIV use and improved health care delivery.
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Quality improvement activities in trauma systems are widely based on comparisons between trauma centers within the same system. Comparisons across different trauma systems may reveal further opportunities for quality improvement. ⋯ We observed important differences in the structural components and care processes in Québec and Victoria's trauma systems, which might explain some of the observed differences in patient outcomes. This study shows the potential value of international comparisons in trauma care and identifies possible opportunities for quality improvement.