168 Emergency Medicine Clinicians’ Confidence in Managing Epistaxis Is Improved by A Simple Intervention: A Closed-Loop Quality Improvement Study

Abstract Aim Epistaxis is a common, potentially life-threatening presentation in the Emergency Department (ED) with an incidence of 108/100 000 population per year. 85% all patients presenting epistaxis are managed by ED clinicians without specialist input or admission. Guidelines exist from ENT UK on management, however awareness these guidelines, nuances techniques and levels confidence not known. This quality improvement study aims to assess managing epistaxis, investigate whether this could be improved through educational intervention. Method A single-centre, prospective, baseline audit was conducted following local approval. An initial questionnaire assessed knowledge appropriate Hippocratic first aid method for alongside individual providing prevention advice. The intervention included 30 minute interactive tutorial during department teaching clinicians. loop then closed repeating questionnaire. Results Pre- (n = 20) post- 8) questions were completed Knowledge scores provision increased 53% pre-intervention 88% post-intervention. Reported advice also mean score 2.7 4.1 post-intervention 5-point Likert scale. Conclusions generally lack Both parameters may simple interventions which implemented nationally.