Authors (including presenting author) :
Lam CCS(1), Kwan PCY(1), Ching BPC(1), Wong ALY(1), Man CHC(1), Leung AKY(1) & Louie FTM(1)
Affiliation :
(1) Occupational Therapy Department, Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital, Hong Kong
Introduction :
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common nerve entrapment neuropathy and patient education is recognized as essential components in the success of treatment. With technological advances, tele-care education has become an option and a new delivery mode of care. This study compares the effects of hybrid program group (HG) with tele-care versus conventional program group (CG) on clinical outcomes of CTS patients.
Objectives :
To compare the effects of HG versus CG on clinical outcomes of CTS patients
Methodology :
From March 2020 to February 2022, retrospective cohort study was performed in 60 CTS hands treated in HG and 54 CTS hands treated in CG. CTS patients were referred from general and specialist out-patient clinics for CTS interventions. Both groups received same interventions including splinting and exercise except using different educational methods. HG received CTS education by videoconferencing in group while CG received by face-to-face individual education. Pre- and post-treatment outcomes were measured including verbal rating scale (VRS) on numbness, Phalen’s test result, grip strength and Quick Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH) score. Paired t-test was used to assess the significance of changes in clinical outcomes within each group and independent t-test was used to compare any differences between groups. Significance level of p< 0.05 was performed.
Result & Outcome :
The pre- and post-intervention changes in the VRS on numbness (HG 5.98 vs 3.93, p<0.001; CG 6.70 vs 4.94, p<0.001), Phalen’s test result (HG 23.27 vs 37.50, p<0.001; CG 25.42 vs 34.55, p=0.001), grip strength (HG 21.37 vs 23.05, p=0.002; CG 19.05 vs 20.92, p=0.002) and QuickDASH score (HG 38.85 vs 27.37, p<0.001; CG 39.44 vs 30.28, p=0.002) were significant in both groups. The mean changes of patient’s clinical outcomes improved more in HG than that in CG, but the changes were not statistically significant except QuickDASH score (p=0.001).
HG with tele-care was as effective as CG for CTS patients. Videoconferencing tele-care education is a simple and cost-effective method which is accessible at any time and place for improving patients’ self-management skills and self-perceived disability on CTS. Patients’ perception of tele-care education also include convenience, dominance and patient-centeredness during treatment. It is recommended to include tele-care group education for CTS patients.
