Trauma assessment and follow up with integration of modern communication devices (TRAFIC). A pilot study

This pilot study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of prospectively collecting electronic PROMs on patients being assessed as a result of musculoskeletal trauma, using a web-based application (APP), administered onto tablet and desktop computers (TCs or DCs) in the outpatient setting.

Following local research ethics approval, a web-based APP (TRAFIC) was developed. It consisted of a total of 12 questions (demographic information, employment, and rehabilitation status as well as quality of life (EQ5D)). The APP was viewable on TCs, with DCs being used in review cubicles when necessary with assistance from a medical professional. Eligible patients were invited to use TRAFIC during the 'Lag period'; the time period from the patient 'booking in' to 'being called' for their appointment. An evaluation of the total time spent using the app (APP-time), was recorded as well as the total time spent in the outpatient department (CLINIC-time) for all patients recruited. CLINIC-time was also assessed for a control group of patients not utilising the APP during their outpatient assessment.

One hundred patients were recruited for the study n = 50 males, n = 50 females with a mean age of 49.1 (± 17.6 years). All recruited patients completed the questionnaire items with a median APP-time of 5 min (range 2-118 min). The median 'Lag period' was 16 min. (Range 2-166 min), with a median CLINIC-time of 81 min (range 4-428). The CLINIC-time was higher than for the control group (median 67 min (range 18-242) but this was not statistically significant (Mann Whitney U test; p = 0.199).

Electronic PROMs collection in the musculoskeletal trauma outpatient clinic using a web-based APP is feasible, with the APP-time falling well within the 'Lag period', and no significant impact on the total time spent for the appointment.