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Abdominal Pain CPI
Clinical scenario
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.
Audit question
Is abdominal pain managed appropriately according to best practice guidelines?
Method
Retrospective audit
Sample: 30-50 Emergency Department patient records
Criteria
Inclusions: Patients presenting with abdominal pain
Exclusions: Patients presenting with other medical conditions
Audits
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1st August 2008
Results
| Date | Patients | Measured | Results | Standard | Regional avg. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01st August 2008 | Patients attending the ED with abdominal pain | Managemnt of patients according to the criteria | Pain relief given within 20 minutes of arrival if appropriate | 100 % | 30.46 % |
| Pregnancy test in all females of child bearing age or known confirmed pregnancy documented | 100 % | 71.75 % | |||
| Abdominal examination documented | 100 % | 99 % | |||
| Pain score on arrival | 100 % | 42.515 % | |||
| Pain relief appropriate to pain score | 100 % | 73.19 % |
Comments
Overall a pleasing set of results. Improvements made in all but one criteria. A good start, but as only one criteria is achieving target, much work has yet to be done.
Audit Bottom Line
Significant scope for improvement, particularly around pain scoring and analgesia administration.