Streamlining Care for Patients With Compression Neuropathies: The Carpal Tunnel Plus Pathway
This study is exploring a new way of organising care for people with carpal tunnel syndrome, called the 'Carpal Tunnel Plus Pathway'. Researchers want to see if this new approach can make things run more smoothly and reduce how long people have to wait between different steps of their treatment journey. For example, they'll look at the time from when a patient is first referred to their first appointment, and from that first appointment to seeing a surgeon. They also want to understand if this new pathway makes patients feel more satisfied with the care they receive. The study is taking place at Vancouver General Hospital and St. Paul's Hospital in Canada.
At a glance
What is this study about?
This clinical trial is all about making the journey for people with carpal tunnel syndrome a bit easier and quicker. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common condition that affects the hand and arm, causing numbness, tingling, and pain. Currently, getting the right diagnosis and treatment can sometimes involve long waits between seeing different specialists or having different appointments.
The researchers have created a new organised approach, which they've named the 'Carpal Tunnel Plus Pathway'. They want to find out if putting this new pathway into practice actually improves things for patients. They're particularly interested in two main areas: firstly, whether it reduces the time people have to wait for important appointments, and secondly, if patients are happier with their overall experience of care.
To figure this out, they will compare waiting times before the new pathway was introduced with waiting times after. They will also ask patients who go through the 'Carpal Tunnel Plus Pathway' to fill in a simple survey about how satisfied they are with their care. This will help them understand if this new pathway truly makes a positive difference for people with carpal tunnel syndrome.
Key takeaways
- This study aims to shorten waiting times for carpal tunnel syndrome care.
- It's looking at a new way of organising patient care, called the 'Carpal Tunnel Plus Pathway'.
- You'll share your experience by completing a satisfaction survey.
- Participation mainly involves following this new care pathway, not receiving experimental treatments.
- The study is for patients at Vancouver General Hospital or St. Paul's Hospital with confirmed carpal tunnel syndrome.
Who may be eligible?
To be able to take part in this study, you need to be at least 18 years old.
You must have been referred to either the Neuromuscular Disease Unit at Vancouver General Hospital or St. Paul's Hospital because you have carpal tunnel syndrome, and this diagnosis must have been confirmed by a doctor. It's also important that you can understand and speak English to follow the study instructions.
You won't be able to join the study if, for any reason, you're unable to give your full agreement to take part after understanding what it involves.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you 18 years old or older?
- Have you been diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome?
- Have you been referred to Vancouver General Hospital or St. Paul's Hospital for this condition?
- Can you understand and speak English?
- Are you able to give your agreement to join the study?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part in this study, your journey will follow the new 'Carpal Tunnel Plus Pathway' for your carpal tunnel syndrome care at either Vancouver General Hospital or St. Paul's Hospital. There aren't any extra visits or special treatments involved beyond your regular care within this new pathway.
The main thing you'll be asked to do as part of the study is to complete a short and simple survey about how satisfied you are with the care you received. This survey will help the researchers understand your experience with the new pathway. The study is mainly about observing how the new pathway works and gathering feedback, rather than adding extra tests or changing your medical treatment.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Vancouver General HospitalVerified postcodeVancouver, Canada
Common questions
What is carpal tunnel syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition where a nerve in your wrist gets squeezed, causing numbness, tingling, pain, and weakness in your hand and arm.
What is a 'care pathway'?
A care pathway is like a roadmap for your treatment journey. It's a planned series of steps, appointments, and procedures for a specific health condition.
Will I get different treatment if I join this study?
No, you will receive standard care for carpal tunnel syndrome, but it will be organised according to the new 'Carpal Tunnel Plus Pathway'. There are no experimental treatments involved.
What do they mean by 'wait times'?
Wait times refer to how long you have to wait between different stages of your care, such as from seeing your GP to your first specialist appointment, or from that appointment to surgery.
Do I have to live in Canada to take part?
Yes, you must be a patient referred to Vancouver General Hospital or St. Paul's Hospital in Canada with a confirmed diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome to be eligible.
How to find out more
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
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