5 Conclusion:
Post-lockdown, the characteristics of patients presenting with PNIs has
changed at our London trauma centre. We have experienced an increase in
number of PNIs and a transformation from a cohort containing multiple
aetiologies to most patients presenting with DSH. This alongside an
increase in the proportion of patients with prior mental health
conditions perhaps reflects the psychological impact the COVID-19
pandemic has had on mental health placing an increase in demand on both
trauma, surgical and mental health services. We hope this single-centre
audit of PNIs pre and post lockdown provides valuable insight for ENT
surgeons working in trauma centres, highlighting the importance of
multidisciplinary and sensitive management of these complex patients