Early Management of Paediatric Forearm Fractures in NHS Tayside

Description

In this presentation, Calum Sreenan from Dundee, Scotland, discusses initiatives in responding to pediatric forearm and wrist fractures within the Tayside region. He outlines the recent developments in Dundee, including the funding for projects such as the V&A Museum and the Eden Project, but highlights the need for improvements in local pediatric orthopedic care. In 2021, guidance was released recommending the implementation of local protocols for managing children's forearm fractures, which Dundee lacked. Mr Sreenan presents an analysis conducted over a six-month period in 2023, illustrating the management patterns of pediatric patients and identifying areas for enhanced practice.



He details his team's efforts to develop a clearer pathway for managing these injuries, including sedative options and reducing the necessity for general anesthetics through a one-stop shop model. This proposed framework aims to streamline patient flow through the hospital and improve cost efficiency while maintaining high standards of care. He emphasizes the current collaboration with the pediatric anesthetic service and the potential benefits of this new approach, while acknowledging challenges posed by the wider A&E system in Tayside. Ultimately, Mr Sreenan advocates for ongoing changes to reduce the burden of pediatric injuries on the healthcare system and enhance overall patient experience. He concludes the presentation without conflicts of interest and expresses gratitude for the opportunity to share this work.

DOI: 10.1302/3114-251220

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