Annals of emergency medicine
-
Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
Prophylactic oxacillin in dog bite wounds.
This prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was undertaken to determine the value of prophylactic oxacillin in dog bites. Adult patients with uninfected full-thickness wounds presenting within 24 hours of injury were considered. Management consisted of cleansing, irrigation, debridement, and closure as indicated; no topical antibiotics were applied. ⋯ Two infections of the hand occurred in patients receiving oxacillin; no infections were seen among placebo-treated patients (P = NS). Prophylactic oxacillin was not associated with improved outcome. We do not advise the use of prophylactic antibiotics in dog bite injuries treated within 24 hours of accident.
-
We examined satisfaction with burn care in 1,418 patients treated in 20 community hospital emergency departments. Lower levels of satisfaction correlated with a poorer process of care measured by number of physician deviations from burn care algorithms. ⋯ The more satisfied the patient, the greater the compliance with medical regimens and the better the patient outcomes as measured by days lost from work and perceived disability. If better patient attitudes relate to process of care and in turn to increased compliance and better outcome, then patient satisfaction is an important part of an overall evaluation of emergency department care.