Introduction Abscesses are a very common pathology. There is significant variability in the management of abscesses, and thus no general cutaneous abscess NICE guidelines exist. This quality improvement project aimed to optimise cutaneous abscess management in one district general hospital.

Methods Data was collected for ambulatory General Surgery patients with cutaneous abscesses in September 2023 by reviewing the Surgical Receiving Unit (SRU) discharge summaries. A department presentation and teaching session on abscesses was then delivered to General Surgery staff. Data collection was repeated in November 2023 to monitor for any improvement in abscess management.

Results 51 patients were admitted via SRU with a cutaneous abscess in September 2023, and 37 in November 2023. A similar percentage had conservative management of the abscess (23% in September vs 22% in November), but there was an increase in I&D performed under LA (8% vs 19%) and decrease in I&D performed under GA (69% vs 59%). There was also an increase in the percentage of patients appropriately not started on antibiotics (73% vs 46%).

Conclusion A department presentation and teaching session on abscesses delivered to staff can improve abscess management in general surgery, decreasing use of unnecessary antibiotics and general anaesthetics whilst maintaining patient safety. It is important to repeat this audit to monitor for consistent improvement.