Stories to Educate Patients With Ankle, Foot, and Knee Injuries

University of Pennsylvania

Overview

Study will test the use of narratives on patient satisfaction and translation of an evidence-based approach to the use of X-rays for leg injuries in the Emergency Department (ED). The investigators will identify patients with foot, ankle, or knee injuries for whom X-rays are determined to not be needed. On discharge, patients will receive the current fact-based sheet or that plus a narrative explaining the work-up and treatment of these injuries. Outcomes will be assessed by a survey measuring patient satisfaction and understanding.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

HEALTH_SERVICES_RESEARCH

Masking

SINGLE

Conditions

Injury

Interventions

NarrativeBEHAVIORAL

Narrative form as described above.

ControlBEHAVIORAL

Blank piece of paper

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 18 YearsHealthy volunteers:

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * Acute traumatic knee, ankle or foot injury presenting to ED * No indication for X-ray by Ottawa Rules criteria * ED provider planning to discharge patient Exclusion Criteria: * X-ray obtained * Need for X-ray by established Ottawa Rules criteria * Children * Pregnant women * Patient to be admitted to the hospital * Patient non-English speaking or illiterate

Locations (1)

Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Patient Satisfaction

To measure patient satisfaction, we will use a validated survey instrument. The survey asks patients 5 questions, which they answer by providing responses on a 5-point scale ranging from "Poor" to "Excellent." The questions include: 1. My satisfaction with the amount of time spent with me by the person who evaluated and treated me was.... 2. The explanation I received of how my illness should be treated was... 3. The way the health care provider treated me was... 4. My overall satisfaction with my visit was... 5. Your care provider determined that you did not need an X-ray for your injury. What is your level of satisfaction with that decision?

Time frame: 5 minutes after intervention

Data from ClinicalTrials.gov

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