Publication: A Study of Trauma Patients in the Emergency Department of a Tertiary Care Hospital in Nepal during Lockdown in COVID-19 Pandemic
Date
2022
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kathmandu University
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Background
The nationwide lockdown was imposed upon by the Government of Nepal with
regards to the COVID-19 pandemic. Even during times of limited mobility and travel,
trauma cases were presenting to the hospital.
Objective
To asses trauma patterns among patients presented to the Emergency department
in Dhulikhel hospital during the lockdown period. The assessment of the burden
of trauma during the pandemic could aid in planning allocation of resources and
improving trauma care.
Method
A retrospective cross-sectional study design was used to assess all patients with a
history of trauma during the period of lockdown announced by the Government of
Nepal for COVID-19 from March 24 to June 14, 2020.
Result
Among 2097 patients that visited the emergency department, 23% were trauma
cases. In comparison to the corresponding time-period in 2019, trauma cases reduced
by more than half (54.5%). The majority of patients utilized ambulances as a means
of transportation; a few patients utilized Dhulikhel emergency medical services.
The most common mechanism of injury was fall injury, followed by motor vehicle
accident and physical assault. Traumatic brain injury occurred in 30% of patients.
Of all patients, 71% were discharged after initial treatment, 26% were admitted to
different wards and 3% were referred to other health centres.
Conclusion
Fall injury is a crucial public health concern followed by motor vehicle accident among
trauma patients even during the pandemic condition. Thus, emergency rooms should
aid in planning for preparedness, mitigation of trauma during situations like these, in
planning the allocation of resources and improving trauma care.
KEY WORDS
COVID-19 pandemic, Lockdown, Trauma
Description
Shrestha SK, Dahal S, Bhattarai A
Department of Emergency Medicine and General Practitioner
Dhulikhel Hospital, Kathmandu University Hospital
Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences
Dhulikhel, Kavre, Nepal
Keywords
COVID-19 pandemic, Lockdown, Trauma