224 Inclusion of Diagnostic Imaging in Orthopaedic Discharge Summaries: A Quality Improvement Project
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Aim To improve inclusion of diagnostic imaging results on discharge summaries for elective and trauma orthopaedic inpatients. Method A retrospective clinical audit with re-audit cycle was conducted on elective and trauma orthopaedic wards at University College London Hospitals. The first cycle (1–31 July 2025) reviewed discharge summaries of adult elective orthopaedic inpatients with radiological investigations. Exclusion criteria were trauma admissions and patients without imaging. Data were extracted from the electronic patient record and radiology reporting system, recording whether admission imaging was referenced in the discharge summary. An educational poster on findings and national standards was disseminated, and a structured template with a mandatory “diagnostic imaging” section was introduced. A re-audit (1–30 September 2025) assessed intervention impact. A parallel audit reviewed trauma inpatients with radiological investigations during the same period. Exclusion criteria were elective patients and those without imaging. A trauma poster was created. A mandatory “diagnostic imaging” section is being introduced for trauma discharge summaries to ensure consistency with elective practice. Re-audit of this is underway. Results In the first cycle of elective discharge summaries, none of 114 eligible summaries (0%) documented imaging results. Following education and template introduction, compliance rose to 93%. In trauma, 16 of 80 eligible summaries (20%) documented imaging results; post-intervention data are pending. Conclusions Embedding a diagnostic imaging section within discharge summaries eliminated omissions and ensured radiological findings were consistently communicated. This specialty-specific intervention strengthens handover, enhances continuity of care, and improves patient safety.
Source: British journal of surgery
Authors: N Parkar, M Alduhoky, M Stewart, Y Nayab, W Wignadasan
Language: English
Subfield: Emergency Medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4415802886