Frequently Asked Questions
Who can be involved?
Anyone (including medical students) can be the named collaborator for a hospital and submit data for that unit.
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Why should I do this study?
Because you get to be an equal first author of a large, multicentre, trainee led audit that is an easy way to tick off a requirement for ARCP. The aim of this project is to determine how ankle fractures are managed in comparison to BOAST 12 guidelines in the UK. This will be particularly useful as there is expected to be significant variation in the management of Weber B fractures.
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How do I become a named collaborator for my hospital?
By registering your interest you will receive an email with the toolkit. Download the spreadsheet and collect data within the study time period (00:01 on 05.11.2018 to 23:59 on 03.12.2018).
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How many people can be involved from one hospital?
There will be up to 4 collaborators from each hospital. We suggest you work together with colleagues during data collection if this is the case. Each person involved per site will be named as a collaborator as long as the ‘Rules of Engagement’ are met.
Do I need permission from my hospital?
Yes, one member of the team will need to register the audit with your hospital’s Clinical Audit department, seek Caldicott Guardian approval and ask one of your consultants to be the consultant supervisor for the project. It is advisable to download your local trust audit registration form and populate it using information available in the toolkit. In order to receive the toolkit, make sure you sign-up to collaborate!
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When is data collection happening?
Data will be collected prospectively within the following recruitment timeframe:
00:01 on 05.11.2018
to
23:59 on 03.12.2018
Data will be available from preoperative assessments/theatre lists, anaesthetic cards, laboratory test results, operation notes, drug/transfusion prescription charts.
What are we collecting data on?
We are collecting data on all adult patients sustaining ankle fractures between 5th November and 3rd December. Data point to be collected at this time include patient demographics, imaging, management, and follow up.
In addition we will be looking for consultants to complete a questionnaire on their current practice.
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Can I use Operation notes and/ or electronic clinic letters?
Absolutely. This audit is designed to avoid having to chase patient notes. Most of the information can be collected from perioperative documentation/charts and lab results but you can also use operation notes and theatre logbooks to help. Any missing data may need to be collected and from the electronic patient record/patient case notes.
I’m a student/ FY/ CT1-2 and don’t feel confident collaborating on my own – can I still participate?
Absolutely – we really want enthusiastic juniors involved so you will be able to participate in future research. If you can’t find a senior to help you, email us AUGMENTUK@gmail.com and we will either help you find a collaborator locally or remotely help you.
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What happens if I sign up but don’t submit data?
You will not be recognized as an author or AUGMENT collaborator. If there are any difficulties hindering your ability to submit data, please contact AUGMENTUK@gmail.com and we will help you.
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What if I sign up to the Audit but can’t complete data for the whole study period because I am busy?
You need to confirm that you have included all cases within the study period when submitting data. Let us know if you are having difficulty with data collection by emailing AUGMENTUK@gmail.com and we will advise you.
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How do I get involved in the write-up?
We will advertise for collaborators to get involved in the write-up phase of the project after all the data has been collected and analysed. We welcome anyone who is interested to be involved in all aspects of this project. The idea is that it is equally owned by all collaborators. Everyone involved will have the data and slides sent to them so that they can present it locally after completion of the audit.
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How does authorship work?
AUGMENT is a national trainee led audit with the steering committee consisting of trainees from across the UK. The final manuscripts will be published using corporate authorship under the AUGMENT study group banner with no authors being listed directly. Within the appendices of each manuscript, clearly defined lists will highlight what role each individual has fulfilled. This will ensure all collaborators will be able to demonstrate evidence for their part in the study and will be PubMed citable.
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What if I move hospital before the data collection is complete?
We realize this could happen, though we have set the deadline to fall after the usual December rotation date. Hopefully one of your team will still be around to collect the data, if not we encourage you to liaise with an incoming junior doctor. If you are struggling to identify someone, let us know (augmentuk@gmail.com) and we’ll see if we can help from our database of other collaborators.
