Plaster checks by nurses: safe and efficient?

Abstract

This prospective, blinded comparison study compared plaster checks performed by nurses with those performed by doctors. Nurses performed this task well. Allowing plaster checks to be performed by nurses, with referral to a doctor if they are concerned, would have reduced the number of plaster checks performed by doctors by two-thirds. Institution of this process could result in reductions in waiting time for patients presenting for plaster checks and in improved efficiency in the Emergency department.