Most Proposed Topic :
Clinical Safety and Quality Service II (projects aiming to enhance clinical safety and outcomes, clinical governance)
Proposed Topic (Second preferred): :
Clinical Safety and Quality Service III (Projects aiming at quality service to patients and their carers)
Authors: (including presenting author): :
Chan MH
Affiliation: :
Department of Orthopaedics & Traumatology, Princess Margaret Hospital
Introduction: :
Below knee injuries are very common in Orthopedic ward. Most of the patients have experienced swelling which may cause many problems such as increasing pain and tenderness, delay operation time and length of stay. As all we know, elevation of affected limbs is the effective method in reducing swelling. However, inappropriate elevation may reduce perfusion pressure and contribute to tissue ischemia. Also, there is lack of standardized practice for leg elevation in our Orthopedic ward.
Objectives: :
1.To relieve leg swelling in below knee injuries 2.Determine the best practice for leg elevation 3.Ensure occupational safety to staff 4.Streamline department workflow
Methodology: :
By reviewing the tools which currently used in ward (simple pillow, foam pillow and universal frame), we are going to apply a convenient, time saving and easy manipulate elevation tool for our patients. We applied a new leg foam support with 20cm and 15° elevation to our patients. It is around 70cm long and in “U” sharp with 13cm height. It is around 1500g with waterproof material for easy care. Our pilot test is started from 5 to 21/6/2023 and total 6 patients are included. Date are collected at day 1 and 4 after application.
Result & Outcome: :
We found 5 patients with 1 - 3% decrease in size of ankle swelling compared with day 1 and day 4. Also, 1.4 - 2.3 % decrease in size of calf swelling compared with day 1 and day 4. Only 2 patients complained of increasing pain and discomfort during leg elevation. Department workflow for leg elevation is streamlined. Occupational safety is enhanced with fading out of universal frame. Our pilot test are still in progress and pending to pilot in other wards to enlarge the sample size.
