title: Transforming management of patients undergoing splenectomy in an Irish teaching hospital.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Post-splenectomy infection has a mortality rate of up to 70%. Previously we have published data confirming the poor adherence to best practice guidelines with relation to management of the asplenic patient. A defined protocol of care was established, staff education commenced and a 'patient information leaflet' made available.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To ascertain whether management of the asplenic patient has improved since the implementation of a structured programme of care.
  
  
  METHODS
  Retrospective chart review of all splenectomies performed in Beaumont Hospital between 2002 and 2008.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Overall, 75.9% of patients were documented as having received the recommended vaccinations. Of these, 48.7% were not timed according to recommended guidelines. Prophylactic antibiotics were documented as prescribed in all but five patients discharged.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These results demonstrate an improvement in post-splenectomy care between 2002 and 2008. However, further improvements are necessary.
authors.affiliation: Beaumont Hospital, Dublin 9, Ireland. seamusmchugh@rcsi.ie
authors.forename: S M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: McHugh
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: O'Donnell
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Leahy
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Broe
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D019072:Antibiotic Prophylaxis; D002985:Clinical Protocols; D005260:Female; D006784:Hospitals, Teaching; D006801:Humans; D007494:Ireland; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy*; D016553:Purpura, Thrombocytopenic, Idiopathic / Q000601:surgery; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013154:Spleen / Q000293:injuries; D013156:Splenectomy / Q000009:adverse effects; D014611:Vaccination / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D055815:Young Adult