Comparison of pressure ulcer treatments in long-term care facilities: clinical outcomes and impact on cost.

This study compared clinical outcomes and nursing labor costs associated with (a) balsam Peru, hydrogenated castor oil, and trypsin (BCT) ointment; (b) BCT + Other; and (c) Other treatments in 2014 wound episodes occurring in 861 patients (mean 2.34 wounds/patient). Treatment with BCT ointment or BCT + Other was associated with a higher healing rate (P < .05). No Stage 1 or 2 ulcer treated with BCT ointment progressed, compared with 13.8% treated with BCT + Other and 13.4% treated with Other. The reported mean duration of treatment and time to heal were shorter for ulcers treated with BCT ointment, but differences did not reach significance, possibly because of the variability in reported treatment times. Mean daily nursing labor costs were lower for treatment with BCT than Other ($50.8 vs $61.7, P < .05). These data suggest that treatment of Stage 1 or 2 ulcers with BCT may be associated with shorter treatment time and time to heal and a potential reduction in treatment-related nursing labor costs.     

Dislocation after total hip arthroplasty. Causes and prevention

In this prospective study, a technique of positioning the acetabulum by bony landmarks of the pelvis in the standing position was developed using a standing lateral preoperative roentgenogram with the X-ray tube centered over the trochanter. Since 1984, 441 total hip arthroplasties (THAs) were done through the posterior approach with a 1.14% dislocation rate through 1988 and no dislocations in 1989. To prevent impingement and dislocation, it was determined that the safest range for cup position was 30 degrees-50 degrees abduction and 20 degrees-40 degrees flexion from the horizontal. To measure postoperative cup position, a standing true lateral roentgenogram of the operated hip allowed direct measurement of cup flexion and was reproducible within 10 degrees. No special instruments are necessary for this technique, which can be used with any THA system.     

An unusual case of traumatic haematoma of soft palate.

Ingestion of small bones often causes oropharyngeal trauma. I present an unusual case of a potentially life-threatening haematoma of the soft palate caused by a chicken bone. To my knowledge, this is the only case reported in the English literature.     

Colonic Motility in Profoundly Disabled People: A comparison of massage and laxative therapy in the management of constipation

This pilot study compared abdominal massage with laxative treatment in the management of constipation in 32 profoundly disabled, institutionalised adults. A randomised cross-over design was used. After an initial 16-day baseline measurement phase without any treatment, there followed two seven-week treatment phases separated by a one-week washout period. Each subject received seven weeks of massage and seven weeks on his or her previous laxative regimen. Primary outcome measures were gastro-intestinal and segmental transit times, measured at the end of the baseline phase and of each treatment phase. Secondary measures included stool frequency, size and consistency, the requirement for enemas and an assessment of patient well-being.The median value of total colonic transit time was 183 hours for the baseline phase and 159 hours for all treatment phases. There was no evidence of any statistically significant treatment differences between laxative and massage therapy for right, left or rectosigmoid segments either separately or in total. Analysis of secondary outcome measures also failed to find any treatment preferences.These results reveal the grossly abnormal colonic transit times of the study population at all times. The effects of laxative and massage therapy within this environment were not demonstrably different.     

The impact of near-patient testing on the organisation and costs of an anticonvulsant clinic

A near-patient testing facility was provided at an anticonvulsant clinic and compared with the previously offered service. Productivity was increased by over 20%, with savings in medical and nursing staff time. This saving in time is offset by increased consumable costs but still enables a significant net saving.