Abstract
Flexor tendon rehabilitation is an involved and protracted process during which everyday activities are difficult. The aim of this study was to conduct a patient-centred satisfaction assessment, tailored to hand therapy patients undergoing flexor rehabilitation, to gain an understanding of their experience, and to identify potential areas for improving the quality of their care.
A prospective questionnaire survey, incorporating elements of generic patient-centred and upper limb outcome measures, was completed, over a six month period, by consenting hand therapy patients during their rehabilitation at three, seven and 12 weeks post-flexor-tendon surgery.
Forty-three subjects fitted the inclusion criteria for the study. Thirty-two subjects (74%) gave informed written consent and were recruited to this study. Two thirds (12 out of 18) of males and all females had difficulties with everyday activities at seven weeks. More females (7 out of 8 [88%]) than males (11 out of 18 [61%]) responded that life was not in their control. Five out of eight females and six out of 14 males reported feeling concerned about their hand at 12 weeks. Interestingly, approximately 40% of respondents wanted more information throughout rehabilitation, with half of females requesting more at seven and 12 weeks.
This study suggests that there should be a strong therapist-led emphasis on providing verbal and written information throughout flexor rehabilitation to increase knowledge and reduce associated anxiety. The importance of this in improving patients’ experience of the process cannot be overestimated.
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