Efficacy of patient information concerning casts applied post-fracture

Serious complications can result when casts are used for bone immobilization following fracture. Adequate patient information regarding cast care and possible complications is vital for prevention. This study examines the effectiveness of verbal and written patient information regarding cast safety.

Patients (n= 109; age ≥18 years) from three Western Australian teaching hospitals were interviewed using a custom-designed questionnaire. Patients' understanding of cast care and possible complications were tested by recall of seven categories of information, notably: pain, swelling, cast care, itching, neural signs, vascular signs/symptoms, exercise/rest. A follow-up phone call (3-8 weeks after initial interview) was conducted to elicit complications and determine information recall.

Written information was received by 62% of patients; however, overall, only 35% claimed to have read the information provided. Of these, the highest recall was in four of seven information categories. A high proportion of those given only verbal information had poor recall (≤2 categories, defined a priori). In contrast, patients who also received written information had better recall (three or more categories, defined a priori, P= 0.031). Four of the 109 patients developed complications attributable to the cast (three had pressure ulcers and one had a deep vein thrombosis).

Patient recall of information concerning cast care and possible complications was no more than 60%. The provision of written information was associated with a significantly higher awareness of possible complications. The results indicate that for fracture care, the delivery and use of information protocols can be greatly improved.