Effectiveness of Audiovisual Versus Written Postoperative Instructions for Patients Undergoing Minor Hand Procedures

McGill University

Status

Not yet enrolling

Conditions

Hand Cyst Ganglion

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Trigger Finger

Study type

Interventional

Funder types

Other

Identifiers

NCT06582550

2025-10990

Details and patient eligibility

About

The utility and effectiveness of video-based instructions (VBI) versus standard written instructions was not previously investigated in hand surgery; thus, the objective of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of audiovisual instruction as compared to regular verbal instructions given to patients undergoing common hand procedures, including instruction recall and compliance, patient education, patient satisfaction with the information given, patient satisfaction with operative experience.

Full description

Outcomes of hand surgery are greatly dependent on factors outside the operating theater as well. These include patient compliance to preoperative instructions that consist of proper surgical site care, proper positioning, and following occupational therapy protocols. Previous studies have shown that video-based information provide greater patient satisfaction than verbal instructions. Visual information was also reported to decrease patient anxiety regarding the procedure and increases patient education in terms of procedure risks and benefits(1-5). The utility and effectiveness of video-based instructions (VBI) versus standard written instructions was not previously investigated in hand surgery; thus, the objective of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of audiovisual instruction as compared to regular verbal instructions given to patients undergoing common hand procedures, including instruction recall and compliance, patient education, patient satisfaction with the information given, patient satisfaction with operative experience. The secondary objective is to evaluate if VBI result in better outcomes than standard written instructions.

Enrollment

120 estimated patients

Sex

All

Ages

18+ years old

Volunteers

No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

Please ensure that ALL items below are satisfied to be included in the study.

Patient undergoing hand and/or upper extremity surgery with Dr. Thibaudeau
Patient ≥ 18 years old
Patient who comprehends instructions provided in English and/or French
Patient who can navigate the internet to complete an online post-operative questionnaire

Exclusion criteria

Please ensure that NONE of the following items are selected to be included in the study.

Patient presenting with intra-articular, open, or pathological fractures
Patient presenting with associated tendon or nerve injuries
Patient receiving definitive surgery ≥21 days after injury
Patient with previous surgeries/deformity in the hand
Patient with pre-existing severe joint disease (rheumatoid arthritis, finger joint stiffness, or non-union)
Patient with medical contraindications to surgery
Patient who is unable to comply with rehabilitation
Patient who is unwilling to be followed up
Patient with dementia
Patient with significant mental illness
Patient who is unable to provide informed consent