Abstract text (incl. references and figure legends)
Introduction Chest drain insertion is a commonly performed procedure with significant risk of complications(1). Safety concerns surrounding the procedure have been highlighted nationally(2) and previous audits have demonstrated poor documentation following insertion. As a result, local guidelines and a template for documentation have been developed to ensure the relevant safety considerations have been followed. Materials & Methods Data were collected retrospectively from the electronic patient record to identify patients who underwent chest drain insertion for traumatic haemothorax and/or pneumothorax in a one year period (March 2021 to February 2022). Use of a template (following national standard protocol) was assessed, as well as adherence to local guidelines and complication rates. Results were compared to a similar previous audit undertaken in 2019. Results A total of 79 chest drain insertions were identified for inclusion in a total of 60 patients. There were 11 bilateral insertions and 8 re-insertions. Overall, the template was used in 53%, compared to 37% in 2019. Where the template was used, mean documentation of safety considerations was 81%, compared to 32% in those whom it was not used. The rates of documented complications were 14% in patients for whom the template was used, compared to 24% where not used. Conclusions Use of the template highlights to the clinician the safety considerations relevant to chest drain insertion. Rates of complications were lower in those who utilised the template. Whilst use of template has improved, further efforts are required to encourage use, with the aim of improving patient safety and reducing complications. References (1) Harris A, O'Driscoll BR, Turkington PM. Survey of major complications of intercostal chest drain insertion in the UK. Journal of Postgraduate medicine. 2010; 86: 68–72 (2) Hooper C, Bucknall C, Welham SA, Reid K, Routh C, Maskell NA. Pilot Pleural Procedures Audit. British Thoracic Society, 2009
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