Investigating the clinical efficacy of the Ottawa ankle rules (OAR).

Abstract

INTRODUCTION This research introduces the concept of the Ottawa Ankle Rules (OAR), which are well-accepted and validated practice guidelines known all over the world amongst emergency hospital settings. These rules are used tor the justification of referrals in ankle and foot radiography used in patient trauma cases suffering from acute ankle and mid-foot injuries. Fractures of the ankle and mid-foot at this acute stage account for 15% of the total performed ankle and foot radiography. Knowledge and awareness of the OAR leads to a significant decrease in ankle and foot X-rays therefore fewer doses to the patient. RESEARCH AIMS The first aim of this research was to evaluate whether knowledge and possible awareness of the OAR is existent amongst emergency practitioners of the main general and acute hospital in Malta. A secondary aim included an investigation of whether emergency practitioners, once confirmation of their knowledge is done; do actually rely on the OAR. These findings were to give assumptions on OAR application in real clinical practice. METHODOLOGY Data was collected in March-April 2010 by means of questionnaires which were distributed to specifically assigned emergency practitioners working at the emergency department of the main general and acute hospital of Malta. RESULTS The results obtained indicated that the majority of emergency practitioners are inconsistent about the knowledge of the OAR and that some of them may not be aware of the rules due to lack of education. CONCLUSION Based on the findings of this study certain recommendations such as the implementation of specialised courses both in the undergraduate and postgraduate levels were proposed.