I totally agree with Darren - I too discontinued prescribing soft collars
quite a few years ago. This decision was based partly on the literature, but
also on that rare occasion when I actually practiced what I preach (I
resisted the temptation of a collar when I had whiplash following an RTA).
I would disagree on one thing however - patient expectations are still
driven by media portrayal of our specialty and, until soft collars are
banned on 'Casualty' etc, the punters will continue to ask for one. The
evidence needs to be appreciated by our nursing colleagues as well. I can
recall an instance not too long ago when I explained in depth to a patient
why I was not giving her a soft collar. I then saw her leaving the
department with one on. When I asked her where she had got it, she replied
"The nurse gave it to me". Suffice it to say, our department still have soft
collars on the same trolley as the tubigrip!! Maybe its time for them to go
walk-about.......!
Andy Lockey
-----Original Message-----
From: [log in to unmask]
[mailto:[log in to unmask]]On Behalf Of Darren Walter
Sent: 09 October 1999 11:20
To: INTERNET:[log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: soft collars
Ever since the publication of the Spine Journal supplement (in 1993?) about
the slower recovery of acute neck strain with the use of collars I have not
used them.
All the Departments in which I have worked since the publication (seven)
have removed them from the stores. Patient expectations seem to have
changed too. It is a long time since I have been asked for one when a neck
strain has been diagnosed.
Darren Walter
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