Clinical decision making in the provision of audiovisual care for upper limb trauma: a survey of UK experiences.

Introduction: For many patients, audio-visual appointments have provided a timely and efficient way of seeking advice, assessment and treatment for their hand injuries during the NHS response to COVID-19. This study aimed to explore the experience of hand units across the UK in determining the safe and judicious use of audio-visual outpatient care for the management of acute upper limb trauma.

Methods: An online cross-sectional survey was sent to the therapy leads of hand units across the UK. Questions focused on the experience of using audio-visual technology in the management of upper limb trauma, and the relevant factors in determining its appropriate use. A deductive mixed methods analysis was used to identify both common themes and capture community experience and characteristics.

Results: A total of 51 out of 76 hand therapy units completed the survey; a response rate of 67%. Of these, 82% (42/51) reported using audio-visual technology to manage upper limb trauma during the UK COVID-19 lockdown. When determining patient suitability for audio-visual consultations, 73% (37/51) of respondents reported the use of COVID-19 guidelines, but only 35% (18/51) reported the use of a clinical decision-making tool. In agreement with our experience at Salisbury Hospital Foundation Trust, 92% (47/51) had concerns relating to the use of audio-visual care.

Conclusion: The choice of safely managed remote care or in-person consultation has, to date, largely relied on the discretion of the clinician. A carefully designed clinical decision-making tool for the management of upper limb trauma is needed for use both in clinical practice and in future service planning.