![Best Audit Topic [logo]](/images/misc/bat.gif)
Corneal Abrasions CPI
Clinical scenario
Corneal abrasion is a very common eye injury. An abrasion is defined as a defect in the corneal surface superficial to the Bowman membrane and limited to the epithelial layers. Being the commonest eye injury the care of this condition reflects the care given to patients with any eye problem
Audit question
Is corneal abrasion managed appropriately according to best practice guidelines?
Method
Retrospective audit
Sample: 30-50 Emergency Department patient records
Criteria:
Inclusions: All patients above the age of 2 years presenting with corneal abrasions
Exclusions: Penetrating eye injury, patients with chronic eye disease
Audits
Choose and Audit to view
1st August 2008
Results
| Date | Patients | Measured | Results | Standard | Regional avg. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01st August 2008 | Patients attending ED with corneal abrasion | Management of patients according to the criteria | All patients prescribed topical antibiotics | 100 % | 96 % |
| Evidence of fluroscein examination | 100 % | 88 % | |||
| All patients examined in both eyes for visual acuity | 100 % | 50 % | |||
| Appropriate pain relief offered | 100 % | 48 % |
Comments
Slight reduction in scores for visual acuity test, but improvements made in all other criteria. However, only one critiera is now reaching traget, with significant improvement needed in visual acuity testing and the use of analgesia, in accordance with the guidelines.
Audit Bottom Line
Overall a reasonable set of results, however work needed around visual acuity testing and the use of analgesia, in accordance with the guidelines.