The Use of Telemedicine Postoperative Visits Following Carpal Tunnel and Trigger Digit Releases: A Randomized Clinical Trial
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View abstract on PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.Virtual visits for carpal tunnel release and trigger digit release showed lower initial patient satisfaction but equalized by 3 months. Virtual follow-ups reduced costs and work absence, offering a viable alternative.
Area Of Science
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Health Services Research
- Patient Outcomes
Background
- Virtual visits are increasingly adopted in North American healthcare.
- Postoperative follow-up care is crucial for patient recovery and satisfaction.
- Carpal tunnel release (CTR) and trigger digit release (TDR) are common hand surgeries.
Purpose Of The Study
- To compare patient-reported outcomes, satisfaction, costs, and complications between virtual video-based and in-person postoperative visits for CTR and TDR.
- To assess the impact of virtual versus in-person follow-up on patient satisfaction and functional recovery.
- To analyze differences in travel expenses and time off work between virtual and in-person postoperative visits.
Main Methods
- A prospective, randomized trial involving patients undergoing isolated CTR or TDR.
- Randomization to either a virtual video-based or in-person 2-week postoperative visit.
- Primary outcome: Press Ganey (PG) satisfaction score at 2 weeks; Secondary outcomes: PG at 3 months, Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH) at 2 weeks and 3 months, complications, and patient expenses.
Main Results
- Sixty patients were randomized (30 per group); average age 59, 40 female, 35 CTR.
- Median 2-week PG scores were significantly lower in the virtual group (4.1) versus in-person (4.7), but equalized at 3 months.
- Virtual visits resulted in significantly fewer hours off work, lower transportation costs, and less travel distance; no difference in QuickDASH scores.
Conclusions
- While initial patient satisfaction was lower with virtual visits at 2 weeks post-surgery for CTR/TDR, satisfaction levels became comparable to in-person visits by 3 months.
- Virtual postoperative follow-up is associated with reduced patient expenses and time away from work.
- Individualized patient discussions regarding postoperative visit options, considering cost and travel, can enhance the overall patient experience.
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