The purpose of this study is to determine whether telemedicine video calls for follow-up visits between patients and their orthopaedic trauma surgeons has an impact on patient satisfaction, quality of life, and treatment adherence. This study will also assess the feasibility of telemedicine as a medium for follow-up visits.
Patients who are over the age of 18 years with closed fractures treated at Vanderbilt University Medical Center by the Orthopaedic Trauma Department will be recruited into the study into one of two arms: a telemedicine arm in which the patient will have some of his or her visits conducted through video calls, and a control arm in which all of the visits for the patient will be in-person at the Vanderbilt University Orthopaedic Trauma Clinic. Comparisons between the two groups will be made through surveys administered to the patients half-way through the study and at the conclusion of the study, and comparisons will be made using standard statistical tests. The feasibility of telemedicine as a medium for follow-up visits in lieu of in-person visits will be assessed in this study.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
20
Patients in the telemedicine cohort will have two follow-up visits (at 6 weeks and 6 months) through video calls.
Vanderbilt University
Nashville, Tennessee, United States
Patient Satisfaction and Clinical Outcomes at Conclusion
Surveys will be administered to all patients in both arms of the study at the conclusion of the study to assess patient satisfaction with their treatment arms. Furthermore, all clinical outcomes for patients with be addressed at this point to note fracture healing status, any development of complications, and any redefinition of goals of care.
Time frame: 6 month
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.