Patients presenting to the ED with abdominal pain make up about 5% of all attenders. Previous studies have shown poor agreement between the initial ED clinicians assessment and the final clinical diagnosis. Most frequently the cause is benign and/or self-limited, but more serious causes may require urgent intervention.
Is abdominal pain managed appropriately according to best practice guidelines?
Retrospective audit
Sample: 30-50 Emergency Department patient records
Criteria
Inclusions: Patients presenting with abdominal pain
Exclusions: Patients presenting with other medical conditions
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1st August 2007
Date | Patients | Measured | Results | Standard | Regional avg. |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
01st August 2007 | Patients attending ED with abdominal pain | Management of patients according to criteria | Pain relief given within 20 minutes of arrival if appropriate | 100 % | 35.7 % |
Pregnancy test in all females of child bearing age or known confirmed pregnancy documented | 100 % | 78.5 % | |||
Abdominal examination documented | 100 % | 96.6 % | |||
Pain score on arrival | 100 % | 63.3 % | |||
Pain relief appropriate to pain score | 100 % | 61.1 % |