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• To understand the treatment options available for children with buckle fractures
• To learn how soft casting could be more effective in managing buckle fractures than the traditional method of using a rigid cast
• To explore ways in which you could improve the management of buckle fractures in your area of practice
Buckle fractures of the distal radius are unique to children and a frequent presentation in the emergency department (ED). In University Hospital Waterford, Ireland, the treatment of buckle fractures followed the traditional method involving a rigid cast and a follow-up hospital appointment. However, the latest literature indicates that buckle fractures are stable and heal without complication, so a minimalist approach to treatment is recommended. Therefore, the advanced nurse practitioners in the ED introduced a change in protocol at the hospital. This involved the use of a soft cast for removal at home, with verbal and written discharge information and no follow-up appointment.
An audit was conducted to ensure that this new protocol was safe and effective, and the time and distance saved by patients through avoiding a return hospital visit was estimated. Treatment in a soft cast with verbal and written discharge information revealed a successful outcome for all 88 patients included in the audit. Avoiding return hospital visits resulted in significant travel time and distance savings for patients and families.
Emergency Nurse. doi: 10.7748/en.2020.e2043
Peer reviewThis article has been subject to external double-blind peer review and has been checked for plagiarism using automated software
Correspondence Conflict of interestNone declared
Phillips K, Breen B (2020) Treating buckle fractures in children with a soft cast and home removal: a quality improvement initiative. Emergency Nurse. doi: 10.7748/en.2020.e2043
Published online: 28 July 2020
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