The Utility and Efficiency of a Resident Hand Clinic for the Management of Acute Hand Trauma at the University of Alberta

Abstract

Background: The University of Alberta established a resident-run hand clinic in 2005 to expeditiously manage the growing numbers of patients with traumatic hand injuries. The purpose of this study was to examine the clinical volume and types of cases assessed and treated in the clinic, as well as gauge patient satisfaction with care received.

Methods: A retrospective chart review and patient satisfaction questionnaire were conducted for patients assessed in the hand clinic in 2015. Demographic data, referral data, and treatment required were recorded. Patients were asked to complete a survey on their experience at the end of their visit.

Results: A total of 1022 charts were reviewed. The most common reason for referral was a fracture or dislocation (57%), followed by tendon injury (18%). The average wait time to be seen in clinic was 2.97 ± 2.13 days in the winter and 4.12 ± 2.14 days in the summer. Forty-seven percent of patients required splinting, 17% required a procedure, and 21% of patients were referred for surgery. Patient satisfaction on average was 9.29 ± 0.87 on a satisfaction scale of 10.

Conclusion: In a 6-month period, residents attending hand clinic assessed and treated 1022 patients, providing timely management of acute injuries. A resident-run hand clinic is an effective model to decrease wait times for patients, to decrease time spent assessing nonemergent injuries in the emergency department, and to concentrate hand trauma in a setting conducive to resident training, while still maintaining high patient satisfaction.

Keywords: education; hand surgery; hand trauma; patient satisfaction; resident clinic; resident-run clinic.

Figure 1.

Occupation of patients seen in hand clinic.

Figure 2.

Types of hand injuries seen in clinic.