Quality of life impacts and wider benefits following upper limb surgery for spasticity management

Abstract

A new, collaborative, multidisciplinary clinic for the management of people with upper limb spasticity and contracture was established between two healthcare trusts. The aim of this study was to determine the perceived benefits to patients of this new clinic and of upper limb surgery, where performed. A service evaluation of a collaborative upper limb surgical assessment clinic for patients with complex problems of their upper limbs as a result of spasticity was undertaken. Questionnaires were distributed to 21 patients who attended the clinic in its first year (December 2017–2018), with follow-up focus groups. A rough cost–benefit review was undertaken. Patients highlighted benefits in both passive and active care tasks. They chose outcome measures that they felt were most useful to measure these benefits and coproduced multimedia information resources. The cost–benefit review indicated that a break-even point could be reached in as little as 1 year. The team has gained a broad perspective of potential impacts on the patient and their carers, as well as future service development and research options.