Improving Wrist Injury Pathways (I-WIP) Study

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD · Apr 18, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

The Improving Wrist Injury Pathways (I-WIP) Study is looking into better ways to treat wrist injuries, specifically scaphoid fractures, which can be tricky because many patients have normal x-rays but still experience serious pain. Currently, only a few hospitals in the UK follow expert guidelines recommending that patients get an MRI scan within two weeks of their injury. This study aims to understand why some hospitals aren't using MRIs as suggested and what matters to patients during their treatment. By gathering insights from both patients and healthcare staff, the team hopes to improve the care pathways for wrist injuries, ensuring patients receive timely and appropriate treatment.

To participate in this study, individuals must be over 18 years old and currently receiving treatment for a wrist injury that has been deemed normal on an initial x-ray. Participants will be asked to share their experiences in interviews, which may be recorded. The study also welcomes input from healthcare professionals who are involved in the care of wrist injuries. Overall, this research aims to enhance the way wrist injuries are managed, ultimately benefiting patients and the healthcare system.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• • Inclusion Criteria
• • - All participants are willing and able to give informed consent for participation in the study (including audio recording of interview). Where possible we shall use translation services to enable those who might not adequately understand various forms of information to take part
• • For staff stakeholders (NHS staff) - Any staff member involved in regular delivery or management of Wrist Injury Pathways (e.g. manager, nurse practitioner, physiotherapist, surgeon, administrative staff, radiologist, radiographer, emergency department clinician). This staff member must be deemed to be integral in the day to day running and/or overall management of the pathway.
• For patients:
• • Male or female aged over 18 years of age
• • Being treated for a traumatic wrist injury with a normal initial X-ray
• • Exclusion Criteria
• • - Learning difficulty