Article
Development of a Mobile App Based on the Oberg Manske Tonkin (OMT) classification to increase its utilization in clinical practice
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Authors
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Lewis Dingle
- Royal Hospital for Sick Children, Edinburgh, St Johns Hospital, Livingston, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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Huai Ling Tan
- Edinburgh Medical School, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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Boon Han Charayaphan
- University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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Wayne Lam
- Department of Clinical Genetics, David Brock Building, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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Megan Davey
- Division of Developmental Biology, The Roslin Institute, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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Darryl Chew
- Department of Hand Surgery, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
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Wee Lam
- Royal Hospital for Sick Children, Edinburgh, St Johns Hospital, Livingston, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| Published: | February 6, 2020 |
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Outline
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Objectives/Interrogation: The Oberg Manske Tonkin (OMT) classification for congenital hand differences (CHD) was introduced in 2013 and subsequently recommended by the IFSSH to replace the pre-existing Swanson's classification. Based on evidence from developmental biology, genetics and clinical features, the OMT eliminated the ambiguities of the Swanson's classification, allowing a robust categorisation of each condition. However, uptake of the OMT remains slow, with surgeons citing difficulties in understanding embryology and other practicalities within a busy clinical practice. Using the OMT to improve communication between different sub-specialties remains difficult. This study examined if a mobile OMT App for smartphone devices would increase its utilisation in clinical practice.
Methods: App development was done using the React Native Framework, and distributed for testing using the Apple TestFlight Platform. The App allows search of a condition using traditional CHD nomenclature, as well as keywords such as 'short' or 'fused' fingers to help users unfamiliar with CHD nomenclature. The OMT classification is displayed for each condition, as well as an image/radiograph where possible, plus a short description. Genetic information for syndromes were also included, if known. The Beta version of the App was trialled among 10 participants of various disciplines including congenital hand surgeons, trainees, developmental biologists, geneticists and neonatologists. Each was surveyed on the usefulness of the App as compared to a paper version in the following areas: accessibility, ease of classifying a condition, improved knowledge about the condition and improved communication with other specialties.
Results and Conclusions: 83.33% of participants agreed that the OMT itself is useful for clinical use, to improve embryological knowledge (66.67%) and to improve genetic knowledge (33.33%). 100% found it easier to access the OMT using the App as compared to the paper version (40%). 83.3% strongly agreed that ease of access would increase their likelihood of using the OMT. All participants found it easier and quicker when using the App as compared to paper version; 66.7% felt that they could learn more about a condition using the App. Crucially, 66.7% felt that using the App would allow them to communicate better with other specialties.
The OMT App presents a potentially useful platform for the classification of CHD, improved knowledge of embryology among clinicians and communication between different sub-specialties.
