An Orthopaedic Fracture Clinic Service Audit: A Complete Loop

Abstract

Introduction The British Orthopaedic Association Standards for Trauma (BOAST) Guideline 7 informs the standard of care patients should expect when they come to orthopaedic fracture clinics in the United Kingdom (UK). Objectives We compared our fracture clinic's practice against the standards set by BOAST Guideline 7 to make changes for aligning with the standard of care. We aimed to then re-audit our practice for further evaluation against the guidelines. Material and methods We prospectively collected data from 100 patients presenting to the fracture clinics of different orthopaedic consultants working in our hospital, using the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland's (RCSI's) satisfaction with outpatients services (SWOPS) questionnaire. We made some improvements, recommended changes to the hospital management, and conducted a re-audit, collecting data from another 100 patients. Results With reference to improvements, we were only able to make them on behalf of the doctors and clinical auxiliary staff. We were able to decrease the waiting time from a patient's initial presentation in the accident and emergency (A&E) department to an appointment at the fracture clinic. A few improvements were made to the waiting area facilities. However, the cumulative changes resulted in a positive attitude in patient satisfaction levels. Conclusion Considering our complete audit loop, we found gaps and enabled improvements, but areas of concern remain, which will need to be addressed in the future.