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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

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1st August 2007

1st December 2007

1st April 2008

1st August 2008

1st December 2008

1st April 2009

1st August 2009

1st December 2009

1st April 2010

1st August 2010

1st December 2010

1st April 2011

1st August 2011

1st December 2011

1st April 2012

1st August 2012

1st December 2012

Show Results Over Time

Results

 
Date Patients Measured Results Standard Regional avg.
01st December 2007 Patients attending the ED with corneal abrasion Management of the patients according to the criteria All patients prescribed topical antibiotics 100 % 100 %
Evidence of fluroscein examination 100 % 98 %
All patients examined in both eyes for visual acuity 100 % 98 %
Appropriate pain relief offered 100 % 36 %

Comments

Significant improvement in scores overall, with the majority now reaching target. However, pain relief remains an area of concern, as scores have declined further since the last audit.

Audit Bottom Line

Overall a good set of results, with the exception of pain relief which remians a poor performing area of patient care. However, it is questionable whether these results are representative of the region as a whole, as only one ED has submitted data on this occasion.

Record created on 31st December 2005 by