Quality of care and patient-reported outcomes in carpal tunnel syndrome: A prospective observational study

Muscle Nerve. 2018 Jun;57(6):896-904. doi: 10.1002/mus.26041. Epub 2018 Feb 1.

Abstract

Introduction: Higher quality care for carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) may be associated with better outcomes.

Methods: This prospective observational study recruited adults diagnosed with CTS from 30 occupational health centers, evaluated physicians' adherence to recommended care processes, and assessed results of the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (BCTQ) and Short Form Health Survey version 2 (SF-12v2) at recruitment and at 18 months.

Results: Among 343 individuals, receiving better care (80th vs. 20th percentile for adherence) was associated with greater improvements in BCTQ Symptom Severity scores (-0.18, 95% confidence interval [CI] -0.32 to -0.05), BCTQ Functional Status scores (-0.21, 95% CI -0.34 to -0.08), and SF12-v2 Physical Component scores (1.75, 95% CI 0.33-3.16). Symptoms improved more when physicians assessed and managed activity, patients underwent necessary surgery, and employers adjusted job tasks.

Discussion: Efforts should be made to ensure that patients with CTS receive essential care processes including necessary surgery and activity assessment and management. Muscle Nerve 57: 896-904, 2018.

Keywords: carpal tunnel syndrome; functional status; occupational diseases; outcomes; quality of care.

Publication types

  • Observational Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome / therapy*
  • Female
  • Health Surveys
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Patient Reported Outcome Measures
  • Patient Satisfaction*
  • Prospective Studies
  • Quality of Health Care*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires