Implementation of a rib fracture triage protocol in elderly trauma patients
Elderly patients are highly susceptible to rib fractures after trauma. The use of a clinical pathway to determine resource allocation for patients with rib fractures has resulted in positive treatment outcomes. This retrospective study assessed the efficacy of a triage protocol involving trauma serv...
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Published in | Journal of trauma nursing Vol. 20; no. 4; p. 172 |
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Main Authors | , , , , |
Format | Journal Article |
Language | English |
Published |
United States
01.10.2013
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Subjects | |
Online Access | Get more information |
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Summary: | Elderly patients are highly susceptible to rib fractures after trauma. The use of a clinical pathway to determine resource allocation for patients with rib fractures has resulted in positive treatment outcomes. This retrospective study assessed the efficacy of a triage protocol involving trauma services on hospital length of stay in elderly patients with fractured ribs. Patients who had 3 or more ribs fractured experienced a statistically significant reduction in hospital length of stay after protocol implementation. We conclude that elderly patients with 3 or more rib fractures should be systematically referred to a trauma specialist. |
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ISSN: | 1078-7496 |
DOI: | 10.1097/JTN.0000000000000008 |