Occupational Therapy-led Services for Adults Presenting Acutely With a Hand Condition

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF LIMERICK · Apr 30, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying how effective occupational therapy-led services are for adults who come to the hospital with hand injuries. Hand injuries can be quite common, making up a significant portion of emergency visits. The goal of this study is to see if having occupational therapists help with treatment improves recovery for patients with hand injuries compared to standard care. The trial will take place at four different sites in Ireland, with one site specifically providing typical care without occupational therapy for comparison.

To participate, you need to be an adult aged 18 or older and have a hand or forearm injury that affects how you use your hand. This includes injuries like fractures or tendon damage. Unfortunately, those under 18 or with serious medical issues that need immediate attention elsewhere won't be included. If you join the study, you’ll be assessed at the start, again after eight weeks, and then six months later to see how you’re doing. The findings from this trial aim to help improve future services for people with hand injuries by providing better therapy options.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Adults aged 18 years of age and older
• • Adults presenting with an injury and/ or condition of their hand and/or forearm inhibiting function inclusive of: fractures (proximal, middle, and distal phalanx); tendon and soft tissue injury (PIPJ volar plate, central slip +/- lateral band, mallet injury, trigger finger, flexor injury, extensor injury, thumb tendon and ligament injury); digital nerve injury; or carpal tunnel injury.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Patients under 18 years of age
• • Patients presenting with complex medical issues in conjunction with a hand injury who may require an alternative pathway, for example, transfer to a different hospital, requiring prioritisation of another medical emergency
• • Other exclusions at the discretion of the service depending on team capacity and expertise