Rib fractures: are we doing enough?

Rib fractures: are we doing enough?

Beaumont Hospital, one of Ireland’s premier acute care facilities, routinely confronts the challenges associated with traumatic rib fractures, which significantly impact patient outcomes due to complications such as atelectasis and pneumonia. Despite existing guidelines, notable variations in pain management practices persist. This study aims to critically assess and refine existing pain management protocols by benchmarking them against best practices, ensuring consistent and effective care.

A comprehensive retrospective analysis was conducted on 3,000 CT scans (including CT TAPs and CT thoraxes) from 2023, performed at Beaumont Hospital. The review focused on identifying cases with rib fractures and analysing the type and timing of analgesia administered within the first 24 hours post-diagnosis. This assessment was compared with established pain management guidelines to evaluate adherence and effectiveness.

Initial findings from the study reveal significant inconsistencies in the application of pain management protocols among patients with rib fractures. These preliminary results have propelled the research into its next phase, which involves a more thorough investigation into the correlation between the timeliness and adequacy of pain management and key patient outcomes, including recovery speed, overall satisfaction, and long-term health implications.

There is a critical need to optimise pain management services for patients presenting with rib fractures at Beaumont Hospital. This study is essential in providing detailed insights into current practices and will form the basis of targeted recommendations aimed at enhancing pain management strategies, ultimately ensuring that all patients receive optimal and equitable care.