Caregiver experience of at-home softcast removal following paediatric trauma

Abstract

Aims

This study aimed to explore safety and feasibility of at-home softcast removal in children with displaced injuries undergoing manipulation; understand caregiver experience; and determine its impact on service at our tertiary centre.

Methods

Paediatric patients (<16 years) with any fracture requiring application of a circumferential softcast, later removed at home without planned routine follow-up, were retrospectively analysed from two time-points: July–September 2022; February–April 2023. Demographic data including age, fracture location, angulation, whether manipulation was undertaken, and unplanned re-attendances were recorded. Caregivers completed a telephone Likert questionnaire (1=extremely positive, 5=extremely negative) reviewing cast removal time and qualitative descriptors of experience. Cost analysis was performed based on use of consumables, staff and clinical areas.

Results

77 caregivers completed the questionnaire at mean 93.4 days post-injury. Mean patient age was 7.6 years at time of injury. 41 (53.2 %) were distal radius, 20 (26.0 %) forearm and 16 (20.8 %) were elbow, hand or tibia fractures. Mean sagittal angulation was 24.7 degrees and 40 (52.0 %) injuries underwent manipulation under sedation. 13 (16.9 %) patients re-attended with cast problems. Caregivers estimated a mean 13.3 min to remove the cast. 83.1 % found it ‘extremely’ or ‘somewhat’ easy. 75.3 % were ‘extremely’ or ‘somewhat’ satisfied. 71.4 % were ‘extremely’ or ‘somewhat’ likely to recommend it. Qualitative descriptors ranged from “traumatic” to “easy”. Since introduction of this practice, subsequent clinic attendances for children diagnosed with a fracture in the Emergency Department has reduced by >50 %, equating to savings of approximately £22,600 per annum.

Conclusion

Our experience confirms at-home softcast removal without further orthopaedic follow-up is safe and feasible, even in displaced injuries undergoing manipulation. The majority of families reported positive experiences. However, this was not universal and adequate patient education was integral to this.