A survey of practice on the use of condition-specific patient reported outcome measures with patients who have distal radius fractures

Abstract

Introduction

Distal radius fractures (DRF) are common injuries seen by therapists. Patient Reported Outcomes Measures (PROMs) are a way to measure recovery, yet previous research suggests PROM utilisation is low amongst therapists. This study looks at current use of condition specific PROMs amongst UK therapists treating patients with DRF and explores possible barriers and facilitators to their use.

Methods

An online anonymised cross-sectional survey hosted on Qualtrics software was distributed to UK physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and therapy technicians via special interest groups and social media. Analysis was carried out on Excel and Qualtrics Software.

Results

There were 60 responses to the survey. For therapists who use PROMs the Quick-Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire, and Patient Reported Wrist Evaluation were the most used, but many therapists reported never using a PROM. Barriers identified included not having enough time in a therapy session, already collecting generic PROMs, and current PROMs did not add to their clinical reasoning. Therapists reported current condition specific PROMs did not capture the psychosocial impact of a DRF or help to assess return to full function.

Conclusion

NHS managers should explore opportunities to collect generic PROMs in a way that has the least impact on clinician time. The development of a Core Outcome Set for hand and wrist trauma may help therapists to identify a toolkit of PROMs to measure different aspects of recovery from this injury but further research is needed to understand the utility of PROMs over individualised therapist assessment.