Introducing a nurse-led clinic for patients who self-harm

A fortnightly self-harm clinic was set up for patients from a secure psychiatric unit. This prize-winning paper describes how it both reduced admissions to A&E and won the support of patients, who became involved in their wound care.     

Vertebral fracture secondary to suicide attempt: demographics and patient outcome in a Scottish spinal rehabilitation unit

Objective

To establish occurrence, method of injury, length of stay (LOS), psychiatric diagnosis, rehabilitation outcome, and demographic data for those admitted to a Scottish Spinal Injuries Rehabilitation Unit as a consequence of deliberate self-harm (DSH).

Design

A retrospective audit of case-notes and electronic databases of admissions and rehabilitation outcome in a spinal cord injury (SCI) unit where the mechanism of injury was (DSH).

Results

Forty-six (44 having detailed data available) patients were identified with 95% of injuries resulting from falls. Thirty-six people had pre-existing mental health problems (82%) with 15 (34%) having this diagnosis established shortly after admission. Seventy-five per cent received follow-up from mental health services. Ninety-five per cent returned to their pre-injury (or similar) residence. LOS and functional independence measure (FIM) for the DSH group were compared with a non-DSH group. No differences were found in those with SCI. LOS was significantly longer in the patients with vertebral fracture and no neurological impairment (32 versus 22 days). Sixty-four per cent of those who had self-harmed had substance dependence problems. The predominance of falls (63%) occurred in a residential setting. Annual admissions due to individuals self-harming were stable across the studied period.

Conclusions

Spinal column fracture in the DSH group is predominantly caused by falls. High levels of mental health and substance abuse problems are noted necessitating formal mental health assessment and follow-up. DSH as a mechanism for injury appears to have a significant impact on LOS only if the patient has fracture without SCI. Immediate rehabilitation outcomes are similar to that of non-DSH group.     

Deliberate self-harm by insertion of foreign bodies into the forearm.

Deliberate self-harm is common. It is usually by drug overdose or ingestion of other noxious substances, but self-harm by cutting or burning often comes to the attention of plastic surgeons. We report three variant cases involving insertion of paperclips, a ballpoint pen cartridge and sewing needles into the forearm. We discuss the management considerations of each case and emphasise the importance of actively addressing the underlying psychiatric problems for all instances of deliberate self-harm.     

Prehospital fast track care for patients with hip fracture: Impact on time to surgery,hospital stay,post-operative complications and mortality a randomised,controlled trial

IntroductionAmbulance organisations in Sweden have introduced prehospital fast track care (PFTC) for patients with suspected hip fracture. This means that the ambulance nurse starts the pre-operative procedure otherwise implemented at the accident & emergency ward (A&E) and transports the patient directly to the radiology department instead of A&E. If the diagnosis is confirmed, the patient is transported directly to the orthopaedic ward. No previous randomised, controlled studies have analysed PFTC to describe its possible advantages.The aim of this study is to examine whether PFTC has any impact on outcomes such as time to surgery, length of stay, post-operative complications and mortality.MethodsThe design of this study is a prehospital randomised, controlled study, powered to include 400 patients. The patients were randomised into PFTC or the traditional care pathway (A&E group).ResultsTime from arrival to start for X-ray was faster for PFTC (mean, 28 vs. 145 min; p < 0.001), but the groups did not differ with regard to time from start of X-ray to start of surgery (mean 18.40 h in both groups). No significant differences between the groups were observed with regard to: time from arrival to start of surgery (p = 0.07); proportion operated within 24 h (79% PFTC, 75% A&E; p = 0.34); length of stay (p = 0.34); post-operative complications (p = 0.75); and 4 month mortality (18% PFTC, 15% A&E p = 0.58).ConclusionPFTC improved time to X-ray and admission to a ward, as expected, but did not significantly affect time to start of surgery, length of stay, post-operative complications or mortality. These outcomes were probably affected by other factors at the hospital. Patients with either possible life-threatening conditions or life-threatening conditions prehospital were excluded.     

Deliberate self-harm: the St Andrew’s experience

Deliberate Self-Harm (DSH) resulting in multiple cuts to the forearms and wrists is an increasingly common problem in the UK, providing a regular source of referrals for hand trauma services in the UK. It requires the input of both the mental health services and appropriate surgical services and frequently long-distance transfers to regional hand trauma centres. In providing for a minimum standard of care, as stipulated by the UK Department of Health in 1984 (Department of Health and Social Security 1984), for this often behaviourally challenging subset of patients, recommendations were made that all DSH patients have a mental health assessment prior to discharge. The care of such patients is frequently labour intensive in its demands on nursing staff demanding skills and expertise that may be better provided for by psychiatric staff (Royal College of Psychiatrists 1994), but little advice is available for the specific context in which plastic surgeons should manage this subset of patients. Retrospective data was gathered between 1996 and 2005 to ascertain the demographic profile of patients, previous self-harm and mental health history, and the patterns of injury and; to assess by long-term follow-up residual disabilities incurred by the injuries. In total, there were 228 individual patients presenting on 270 occasions with a male to female ratio of 3:2. The average duration as an inpatient was for 2–3 days. Being a large regional hand trauma unit, the catchment area within which such referrals are made, makes coordinating the safe discharge and appropriate follow-up of these patients particularly difficult. Despite the benefits of a large mental health unit on site, local versus regional funding issues have historically made patient care difficult. Multi-specialty cooperation and appropriate funding has significantly improved the level of patient supervision and quality of discharge for these patients in the last 10 years, but this has occurred with varying levels of success at a predominantly local level.     

Head injuries: a prospective observational study evaluating the potential impact of the Galasko report on Accident and Emergency departments

In June 1999, the Galasko report of the Royal College of Surgeons of England recommended that in the next 5 years, the Accident and Emergency (A&E) departments should admit and supervise head-injured patients for up to 48 h. A prospective observational study was carried out for a 6 weeks period at the A&E department of Birmingham Heartland's Hospital to identify the potential impact of implementation of the Galasko report. The cost implications of this perceived additional workload were considered.Of the 786 head-injured patients seen during study period, 665 (85%) were discharged home directly from the A&E department. Of the remaining 121 patients, who were hospitalized, 76 (63%) were admitted to the A&E observation ward (AEOW) and 19 (16%) patients were admitted to a paediatric ward. All of these patients were discharged home within 24 h. The remaining 21% patients were admitted to other specialities and had prolonged stays in hospital. All of the 9% of the patients admitted under orthopaedics would have been admitted to the AEOW if the Galasko recommendations were implemented leading to an extra 22 bed days over the 6 weeks study period. The estimated annual cost of admission alone for these patients would be pound 38,200. Our study has demonstrated an expected additional workload and cost implications on a single A&E department.     

Seasonal variation in the incidence of wrist and forearm fractures,and its consequences

We have used the All Wales Injury Surveillance System (AWISS) in a population-based study of wrist and forearm fractures. We examined seasonal variation in the incidence of these injuries, and looked at resulting pressures on outpatient and inpatient trauma services. AWISS collected data from eight Accident and Emergency (A&E) departments which between them serve a total of 1.2 million people in South Wales. During a single year, we identified all 5013 people who presented with a wrist or forearm fracture. Seasonal variation in wrist/forearm fracture incidence was apparent, but showed a different pattern in different age groups. Overall incidence figures were dominated by an increase in children's fractures in spring and summer. Children under the age of 15 suffered a total of 360 wrist and forearm fractures during the three winter months; an incidence of 5.9/1000 per year that was only about half that observed during the remainder of the year (10.7/1000 per year). In contrast, older people showed a higher incidence in the winter. During the winter months people aged over 75 sustained a total of 160 wrist/forearm fractures; an incidence of 8.2/1000 per year, significantly higher than the incidence observed in other months (5.8/1000 per year). Seasonality of incidence was not apparent in other age groups. Children presenting during the spring and summer months were significantly more likely to need admission to hospital; 22.8% were admitted compared with just 10.3% of those presenting during the winter months (P<0.001, chi(2)-test). Other age groups showed no significant seasonal variation in the likelihood of hospital admission.     

A randomised placebo‐controlled trial examining the effect on hand supination after the addition of a suprascapular nerve block to infraclavicular brachial plexus blockade

Some surgeons believe that infraclavicular brachial plexus blocks tends to result in supination of the hand/forearm, which may make surgical access to the dorsum of the hand more difficult. We hypothesised that this supination may be reduced by the addition of a suprascapular nerve block. In a double‐blind, randomised, placebo‐controlled study, our primary outcome measure was the amount of supination (as assessed by wrist angulation) 30 min after infraclavicular brachial plexus block, with (suprascapular group) or without (control group) a supplementary suprascapular block. All blocks were ultrasound‐guided. The secondary outcome measure was an assessment by the surgeon of the intra‐operative position of the hand. Considering only patients with successful nerve blocks, mean (SD) wrist angulation was lower (33 (27) vs. 61 (44) degrees; p = 0.018) and assessment of the hand position was better (11/11 vs. 6/11 rated as ‘good’; p = 0.04) in the suprascapular group. The addition of a suprascapular nerve block to an infraclavicular brachial plexus block can provide a better hand/forearm position for dorsal hand surgery.     

The Essex-Lopresti injury: More than just a pain in the wrist

As the scope of plastic surgical practice expands to include disorders of the carpus and wrist, it has become increasingly important for plastic surgeons to understand pathoanatomy that has not traditionally been considered an integral component of training. The Essex-Lopresti injury consists of a radial head fracture with associated injury to the forearm interosseus membrane and longitudinal instability of the distal radioulnar joint. Early recognition of this disorder usually results in a predictable and satisfactory outcome. However, when this disorder is unrecognized, late reconstruction is challenging and unpredictable, and treatment may be misdirected to the wrist alone if the forearm and elbow are not considered as a component of this injury. The present report describes the importance of examining the elbow in all cases of wrist pain. As well, the literature is reviewed regarding the differences in treatment of acute and chronic Essex-Lopresti injuries. As plastic surgeons become more involved in the treatment of wrist injuries, the conscientious practitioner should be aware of more complicated pathology that may present as a seemingly straightforward wrist problem.     

Surgical rehabilitation of the upper limb in quadriplegia

Fifteen quadriplegic (tetraplegic) patients from the Spinal Injuries Unit of the Austin Hospital have had surgery to improve function in 17 of their upper limbs. Changes in strength, function, subjective ratings and the influence on 198 activities of daily living are reviewed. The posterior third of the deltoid muscle was transferred into 8 triceps tendons to provide active elbow extension in seven patients. Six patients had transfers of forearm muscles to provide grasp and lateral pinch or active extension of wrist and fingers. Other operations included transfer of the latissimus dorsi to the forearm producing elbow flexion, medial advancement of the anterior deltoid origin improving shoulder control (an operation which has not been described previously), and tenodesis for stabilizing the wrist. The objective results were satisfactory in 12 patients. Eleven patients had either good or excellent subjective results. The maximum force of active elbow extension achieved was 6.8 kg and the peak grip strength reached was 10.5 kg. Six patients achieved subjective results higher than would have been expected from objective assessment. All patients benefited in some way, 13 patients felt that surgery was worthwhile and no patient lost appreciable function. The results of this series indicate that upper limb surgery has a definite place in rehabilitation of the quadriplegic patient. Improved surgical technique may reduce the time required for postoperative rehabilitation and thus make these procedures feasible for a larger number of patients.     

Brachialis muscle transfer to reconstruct finger flexion or wrist extension in brachial plexus palsy

PURPOSE: Tendon transfers are a routine procedure used to improve hand function in brachial plexus injuries; however, muscles from forearm donors are not always available for transfer. In this situation a distant muscle may be used. This study describes transfer of the brachialis muscle to the forearm muscles to reconstruct finger flexion or wrist extension in patients with brachial plexus injuries. METHODS: In 6 patients the brachialis muscle was transferred to the flexor digitorum profundus and the flexor pollicis longus to restore finger and thumb flexion with the goal of reconstructing a key pinch and hook grasp. In 3 patients the brachialis muscle was transferred to the extensor carpi radialis brevis to restore wrist extension. The patients were evaluated at regular intervals and had final assessments between 10 and 12 months after surgery. RESULTS: Brachialis transfer to the flexor digitorum profundus and the flexor pollicis longus resulted in active motion with full range of digital flexion in the 2 patients who had partial flexion before surgery, and for the 4 patients who had no finger flexion before surgery it resulted in a pulp-to-palm distance for the middle finger of 1 cm in 3 patients and of 2 cm in 1 patient. A lateral key pinch and hook grasp reconstruction was achieved in all patients. Grasping and lateral pinch strengths averaged 110 and 94 mm Hg, respectively. When the brachialis was transferred to the wrist extensors the patients recovered 20 degrees of active wrist extension against resistance. CONCLUSIONS: Brachialis muscle transfer to the forearm muscle constitutes a valid strategy in the reconstruction of finger and thumb flexion and wrist extension after brachial plexus injury when forearm donor muscles are not available. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, Level IV.     

Successful resurfacing of scars from previous deliberate self-harm using Integra dermal matrix substitute.

BACKGROUND: There are currently limited treatment options available to modify the appearance of scarring due to deliberate self-harm (DSH). The authors present two cases of Integra dermal matrix use for resurfacing scars due to past DSH. METHODS: By excising the scars and resurfacing with Integra, we present and describe a novel technique for treating the visible stigmata of previous DSH. RESULTS: No complications occurred, and patients noted improved appearance, skin quality and self-esteem following surgery. Both patients would recommend this treatment to others. CONCLUSIONS: Integra dermal matrix substitute may be used successfully to treat scarring from previous DSH.     

The surgical management of patients who deliberately self-harm

INTRODUCTION

Deliberate self-harm is a common problem that often requires orthopaedic treatment. Patients with injuries due to deliberate self-harm are often referred to our unit. This study assessed the type of treatment required and the cost of treatment.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We undertook a retrospective survey of deliberate self-harm patients with known ICD-10 psychiatric disorders admitted for orthopaedic care from a medium-secure, female-only, psychiatric unit. Data were collected on admission rate, duration of stay, surgical interventions and complications.

RESULTS

Over a 36-month period there were 73 admissions for 15 patients (mean age, 25.1 years) requiring 65 operative interventions, a mean of 4.3 (range, 0–9) per patient. Over 50% of patients were admitted more than 3 times, totalling 416 hospital bed-days and 80% had methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) isolated. The orthopaedic treatment costs for these patients was £453,000 during the period studied.

DISCUSSION

The significant resources required to manage this patient cohort demonstrates the need for a co-ordinated management policy. We recommend day-case surgery for infected wounds only. Postoperatively, wounds should be protected with plaster of Paris. All patients with deliberate self-harm should be regarded as being infected with MRSA.     

The UK pre-hospital management of burn patients: current practice and the need for a standard approach

INTRODUCTION: In any system of burn care, first-aid, packaging and transportation of the burn injured patient from outside of hospital is a most important contribution to the successful management and outcome. This study aimed to assess the current initial care of burn patients given by the statutory ambulance services and then compare this to a survey of opinions among the plastic surgery and burns consultants in the United Kingdom (UK). METHODS: In 1999, each of the UK ambulance services was contacted via a postal questionnaire. A similar survey was sent to all of the plastic surgery consultants within the UK (taken from the specialist register) therefore, canvassing the plastic surgeons who deal less commonly with burn patients as well as the burns units. RESULTS: A total of 58% of ambulance services said that they had no treatment policy for burns patients; 97% sent patients to their nearest A&E department; 84% of services employed cooling; 12 different types of dressing were used for burn patients; 74% of services used nalbuphine hydrochloride and 97% used entonox; 74% services gave oxygen to all burn patients; 90% cannulated patients, with or without fluid administration.Plastic surgical opinion indicated that the most important aspects of basic first-aid should include: stopping the burning process; cooling (15 min (median)); airway, breathing and circulation assessment; clothing removal and dressings (clingfilm). Oxygen need not be given to all patients, but they should be kept warm and administered entonox and/or intravenous morphine. Most surgeons felt that patients should be taken to the nearest A&E and the majority of surgeons caring for this large group of patients did not have good and regular liaison with their local ambulance service. CONCLUSIONS: There seems to be a wide variation in the basic approach to the first-aid and pre-hospital care of burns patients. A significant improvement in management for this large and important group of patients is achievable, if a standard approach across all ambulance services could be achieved.     

Surgery for Digestive Malignancies in Patients with Psychiatric Disorders

Background The psychiatric population has been reported to be accompanied with a higher morbidity and mortality in several situations. However, little is known about the effect of co-morbid psychiatric disorders on surgical risk during major digestive surgery for malignancies. Our purpose in the present study, therefore, was to evaluate the impact of co-morbid psychiatric disorders on the outcome of surgery for digestive malignancies. Methods We retrospectively reviewed medical records of 568 consecutive patients who underwent hepatectomies, gastrectomies, or colorectal resections between June 1998 and May 2006. Of these, 86 patients had psychiatric disorders (disorder group: DG) and the remaining 482 patients did not (non-disorder group: NG). Postoperative parameters including morbidity, mortality, length of postoperative hospital stay in the surgical ward, and the incidence of psychiatric disorder-associated problems were assessed. Results Overall, there was 1 patient who died within 30 days in hospital in the DG and 2 patient deaths in the NG. Thirty complications developed in 24 patients of the DG, whereas 138 complications developed in 129 patients of the NG. There was no significant difference in the morbidity or mortality rate between the two groups. The length of the postoperative hospital stay was also similar between the two groups, and the incidence of psychiatric disorder-associated postoperative problems was about ten times higher in the DG than in the NG. Conclusions Patients with psychiatric disorders are not accompanied with excess surgical risk during major surgery for digestive malignancies as compared to patients without psychiatric disorders.     

Psychiatric morbidity in a regional plastic surgery centre--one-year review with a proposed categorisation.

Few studies describe the incidence and nature of psychiatric morbidity in plastic surgery patients. We undertook a review of all referrals from the Plastic Surgery Service to the Psychological Medicine Service over a 1-year period (January-December 2001). Standardised socio-demographic information, nature and cause of injury/defect, surgical intervention, surgical outcome, psychiatric diagnosis and psychiatric follow-up were determined. The majority of patients referred had a significant existing psychiatric illness, had made a suicide/parasuicide attempt, or were burns patients. There was a high rate of referral of plastic surgery inpatients. Liaison with plastic surgery staff to allow rapid identification and early management of psychiatric morbidity is an important role for psychological medicine. We outline a defined categorisation of common contexts in which psychiatric morbidity may present to plastic surgery services.     

Wrist arthrodesis using a Synthes wrist fusion plate

Thirty-nine patients were retrospectively reviewed after a wrist arthrodesis using a Synthes wrist fusion plate and iliac crest bone graft. Information was obtained from review of patient files, a questionnaire to assess pain, function and work status, and clinical assessment of grip strength, forearm rotation and fingers motion. All wrist fusions united except that the index carpometacarpal joint failed to unite in one patient. Thirty-seven patients were satisfied with the procedure, noting a reduction in wrist pain after fusion, but all reported some limitation of function. The wrist fusion plate was removed in six patients and a further four patients experienced minor symptoms over the dorsal aspect of the middle finger metacarpal.     

Results of the operative treatment in Madelung's deformity]

Nine wrists in eight patients were treated surgically between 1988 and 2003 for symptomatic Madelung's deformity. The pain of involved wrist followed by forearm deformation fulfilled criteria for surgery. Closing wedge osteotomy of the distal radius were carried out eight times accompanied by shortening of the ulna (four patients), excision of the distal ulna (one patient), and no ulnar surgery (three patients). Pain relieved after surgery. The follow up period ranged from 1 to 9.5 years. No pour results were stated in subjective patient's estimation during final check up. Wrist appearance were stated to be satisfactory. Limitation of the range of motion concerning supination and pronation of the forearm were stated invariably. X-ray retrospective assessment of the inclination angle, lunate coverage and presence of arthritic changes were conducted. Time and method of surgical treatment for Madelung's deformity should be considered individually.     

Audit of the effect of a fast tracking protocol on transfer time from A&E to ward for patients with hip fractures

The objective of this project was to study the effect of a "fast tracking protocol" on the time spent in the A&E department by patients with hip fractures. A review of 104 patients with hip fractures admitted via the A&E department between March 1997 and September 1997 (7 months) in a District General Hospital (Alexandra Hospital, Redditch) showed that many patients spent more than 2 h lying on uncomfortable trolleys in the department. A fast tracking protocol was devised for a quicker as well as safe transfer of these patients to the ward. This was implemented from December 1997 and its effects closely monitored on a monthly basis for the next 7 months up to June 1998.Results showed that the fast tracking protocol produced a significant reduction in the time spent in the A&E department by 90 out of the 100 patients with hip fractures. The transfer time (mean+/-SD) before the fast tracking process was 2 h 45 min +/- 57 min (N=104, median=2 h 40 min). After the protocol was implemented this was reduced to 1 h 32 min +/- 40.87 min (N= 90, median= 1 h 25 min). This reduction is statistically significant (p < 0. 001; Student t test). Also, more patients were transferred within the target time of 1 h (24 out of 90 patients) compared with before the introduction of the protocol (3 out of 104 patients). This was also statistically significant (p < 0.001; Chi-square test). Ten out of 100 patients were not fast tracked because of multiple injuries, acute medical problems or inconclusive diagnosis. These patients still spent an average of 2 h 55 min (median 2 h 55 min) in the A&E department. In conclusion, the fast tracking protocol significantly reduces time spent in the A&E department by patients with isolated hip fractures. There is also a significant increase in the number of patients transferred within the hour. This has numerous benefits for the patients as well as the A&E department.