Patterns of orthopedic and trauma admissions to a tertiary teaching and referral health facility in Kenya: Chart review

Tertiary hospitals in resource-limited countries treat patients referred but in most cases are the first level of care for the vast majority of patients. As a result, the tertiary facility effectively functions as a primary health care facility. The urban phenomenon of widespread self-referral is associated with low rates of formal referral from peripheral health facilities. Study ObjectiveTo determine the patterns of orthopaedic and trauma admissions to Kenyatta National Hospital. MethodologyThis was descriptive study design. Sample size was 905 patient charts for 2021 FindingsThe mean age was 33.8 years (SD 16.5) with range of 1 - 93 years. Majority 66.3% were between 25 - 64 years with those above 65 years being 40 (4.4%). Children 0-14 years comprised 10.9% of the admissions. Of the 905 admissions, 80.7% were accident and trauma-related admissions while 17.1% were non-trauma related admissions. About 50.1% were facility referrals while 49.9% were walk-ins. Majority of admissions were through Accident and Emergency Department 78.1%, Corporate Outpatient Care 14.9% and Clinic 7.0%. About 78.7% were emergency admissions while 20.8% were elective admissions. Approximately admissions 48.5% were due to Road Traffic Accidents, 20.9% due to falls and non-trauma related conditions represented 17.1%. Close to 44.8% were casual workers and 20.2% unemployed. Education level was also reviewed with 34.0% having primary education and 35.0% having secondary education. A significant proportion of female admissions (33.2%) were due to non-trauma conditions as compared to male admissions (12.8%) (p<0.001). Aadmissions for those aged 25 - 64 years were 3.5 more likely to have emergency admission as compared to those aged 0 - 14 years. Male were 65.1% less likely to have elective admissions compared to female (p<0.001). Those unemployed were 3.9 more likely to have emergency admission compared to businessmen/women. Vast majority (89.2%) of admissions were within Nairobi Metropolitan region