Pulmonary embolism following ankle fractures treated without an operation - an analysis using National Health Service data.

The majority of ankle fractures are stable and can be treated without an operation, most commonly with cast immobilisation. Based on concerns regarding the risk of a venous thromboembolic event (VTE) while immobilised, there is currently debate as to whether these patients should receive VTE prophylaxis for the duration of treatment. Rates of pulmonary embolism (PE) in this patient group are unknown.

Does the introduction of a COPD pro-forma improve the standards of care delivered by junior doctors in the emergency department.

Aim: To determine if pro-forma based management improves standards of care delivered by junior doctors in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients in the Emergency Department (ED).

Introduction: National COPD audits have found large variations in ED standards of care compared to guidelines. They concluded that the publication of guidelines itself does not translate to an improvement in care.