Do patients prefer optional follow-up for simple upper extremity fractures: A pilot study

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Upper Extremity Fractures
• Patient Outcomes

Background:

• Evaluating the impact of optional follow-up visits for simple upper extremity fractures.
• Assessing differences in disability, return to work, and patient satisfaction.
• Identifying factors associated with patients choosing to return for follow-up.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine if optional follow-up affects upper extremity disability, return to work, and satisfaction.
• To analyze patient preferences for scheduled versus optional follow-up visits.
• To identify predictors for patients returning after initially declining a follow-up appointment.

Main Methods:

• Prospective enrollment of 120 adult patients with specific upper extremity fractures.
• Categorization of patients into scheduled (n=56) or optional (n=64) follow-up groups.
• Measurement of QuickDASH, satisfaction, and employment status at 2-6 months post-enrollment.

Main Results:

• No significant difference in QuickDASH scores, return to work, or satisfaction between groups.
• Only 17% of patients who chose optional follow-up actually returned.
• Higher initial disability was associated with choosing to return for follow-up.

Conclusions:

• A majority of patients favor optional follow-up for simple upper extremity fractures.
• Hand surgeons may offer optional visits for low-risk fractures to reduce costs.
• Streamlining follow-up care can potentially lower healthcare expenses.