PP 129. Use of Digital Photography and Electronic Archiving System in Trauma and Orthopaedics

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J. Jhaj, M. Sangster, A Humphries, S. Irby

17:18 - 17:24h at Lanchid Room

Categories: Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology, Poster Session

Session: Poster II (P4) - Varia

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Background
Photographs are a useful tool for documentation in Trauma. UK guidelines require photographs to be taken of open fractures. Apart from record-keeping, advantages include minimizing the number of times wounds are uncovered for inspection reducing risk of infection and improved communication between clinicians. The same advantages apply to other trauma or even infections
which require input from Trauma and Orthopaedics. The use of personal cameras or phones is not legally permitted, but anecdotaly widespread. Hospitals must provide cameras for this purpose.

Material and Methods
Nine hospitals in the region (Severn Deanery, UK) were visited as part of an audit to determine the availability and accessibility of photographic cameras, as well as electonic archiving systems and consent documentation. Actions were taken to improve the status quo, and the audit was repeated.Results are presented along with experiences and learning points of using a digital camera and an electronic archiving system.

Result
The majority of hospitals did not have cameras in their emergency departments. Consent andarchiving was poor and physical as opposed to digital in the majority. Personal cameras or mobile  phones were not used in hospitals which had cameras. Acquisition of a camera resulted in better communcation and adherence to guidelines.

Conclusion
Photography is very useful to Trauma and Orthopaedics clinicians in the acute setting. Hospital owned digital cameras and electronic archiving systems are most practical and useful, and help to adhere to clinical guidelines and the law.