An audit of the tetanus immunisation status of plastic surgery trauma and burns patients

This study audits the tetanus immunisation management of plastic surgery trauma patients by their referringAccident and Emergency departments, and compares this to nationally published guidelines. We assessed 269 burns and trauma patients, referred from across South Wales, using a questionnaire toge...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:British journal of plastic surgery 2002-04, Vol.55 (3), p.215-218
Main Authors: Cassell, Oliver C.S., Fitton, Anthony J., Dickson, William A., Milling, Martin A.P.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adolescent
Adult
Aged
Biological and medical sciences
Burns
Burns - therapy
Child
Child, Preschool
Emergency Treatment
Humans
immunisation
Immunization
Infant
Medical Audit
Medical sciences
Middle Aged
Patient Participation
plastic surgery
Prospective Studies
Skin plastic surgery
Surgery (general aspects). Transplantations, organ and tissue grafts. Graft diseases
tetanus
Tetanus - prevention & control
Traumas. Diseases due to physical agents
wounds
Wounds and Injuries - therapy
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Summary:This study audits the tetanus immunisation management of plastic surgery trauma patients by their referringAccident and Emergency departments, and compares this to nationally published guidelines. We assessed 269 burns and trauma patients, referred from across South Wales, using a questionnaire together with their Accident and Emergency notes or letter. The precise question(s) that had been asked regarding the tetanus immunisation status of the patient, and the immunisation management based on the results of those questions, were recorded. The accurate tetanus immunisation status of the patient was established, the wound was assessed and further management was given as indicated. Only 16 patients had been asked whether they had received a course of tetanus, and 41 patients were not questioned about their tetanus immunisation status by the referring Accident and Emergency department. As a consequence of more accurate questioning, 73 patients (27%) required further action after their arrival in the Plastic Surgery unit. This audit has demonstrated that the management of tetanus immunoprophylaxis in plastic surgery trauma patients cannot be confidently left to the referring Accident and Emergency department but should form an integral part of the treatment at the admitting unit.
ISSN:0007-1226
1465-3087
DOI:10.1054/bjps.2001.3742