gms | German Medical Science

Objectives/Interrogation: The two aims of this study were to

1.

identify levels of distress in patients presenting with hand injuries

2.

assess what access patients have to a psychologist nationally in UK plastic surgery units.

Methods:

1.

To identify the level of distress experienced by hand trauma patients, 163 patients attending a tertiary referral centre were surveyed using a distress thermometer. Patients were asked about their experience of distress secondary to their hand injury a) at time of presentation and b) at 4 months follow up.

2.

A national survey of all plastic surgery hand units in the UK was undertaken to identify availability of a psychologist for patients with hand injuries.

Results and Conclusions:

1.

Over half of surveyed hand trauma patients reported that they experienced distress levels at time of first presentation. Of those reporting distress, 57% reported a significant level of distress. The four month follow up survey demonstrated varying responses in distress levels with a majority of patients experiencing a reduced distress level whilst a smaller number experienced the same or worse levels of distress.

2.

The vast majority of UK units have access to a psychologist for hand trauma patients.

Conclusion: Hand injuries can cause significant distress secondary to inability to work, sudden loss of income and worry. A significant proportion of patients in our unit reported high levels of distress associated with their hand injuries with a smaller number reporting continued or worse levels of distress at four months follow up. Such psychological burden can in turn lead to prolonged consultations between patients and their consultants and hand therapists leading to inefficient use of time and resources. This study highlights the need for the availability of access to psychology services for hand trauma patients. Availability would likely improve affected patient outcomes and service efficiency.