Authors (including presenting author) :
Lee K Y (1), Chan Y W (2), Ko S Y (1),Ha P K (1), Wong H T (1), Lau C L (2)
Affiliation :
(1) Accident and Emergency Department, Tuen Mun Hospital, (2) NTWC Accident and Emergency Department
Introduction :
Emergency Nurse Practitioners (ENPs) have provided fast track minor injury and illness service in the Accident and Emergency Department of Tuen Mun Hospital (TMH) since 2012. They independently primarily treat a wide range of minor injuries and illnesses. They assess, diagnose, investigate and treat patients under medical supervision in order to deliver the service.
For examples, wounds (e.g. abrasion and laceration), burns and scalds or animal bites, insect bites or stings, soft tissue infections, minor injuries and illnesses of upper limbs, minor injuries and illnesses of lower limbs.
Objectives :
The study aim was to determine prevalence, demographic and clinical characteristics of patients suffering from ankle sprain attending the Tuen Mun Hospital Accident & Emergency Department and care by ENPs.
Methodology :
A retrospective review of records from Fast tract minor injury patients’ database system in Tuen Mun Hospital Accident & Emergency Department was conducted between January 2021 to December 2024 (inclusive).
Result & Outcome :
409 patients with ankle sprain were recorded during the study period. 47%% of patients were male and 53% of patient were female. The youngest patient was 11 years old, the oldest was 78 years old, and the mean age was 40.79.
Most patients were sent to the radiography department for ankle/foot x-ray ( 74%). The mechanism of injury such as motor vehicle crash (MVC) (2.7%), domestic injury (6.7%), sport injury (20%) and unclassified (31%). Injury on duty was the most prevalent injury (39%).
The treatment included dressing (5.4%), skin suturing (0.2%) and plaster cast (2.2%). For the referral to the allied health service, Prosthetic & Orthotic (P&O)(14%) for inversion control ankle brace, Physiotherapy (PT) (9.8%) for pain relief and walking exercise and Occupational Therapy (OT) (0.7%).
For the discharge destination, patient discharge (52%), home with A&E follow up (11%), home with fast tract minor injury clinic follow up (30%), admission (7%) and DAMA (0.2%).
Ankle sprains are a common presentation in the Emergency Department. Trained ENPs are capable of completing evaluations and treating these injuries. This study highlights important clinical information regarding current practices and management of acute ankle sprains in the Fast Track minor injury service conducted by ENPs in a regional emergency department. The most common cause of recorded ankle sprains was injury on duty (39%). Notably, a majority of individuals with ankle sprains were discharged without follow-up treatment (52%), and no adverse clinical outcomes were noted, indicating appropriate treatment for all cases.
