Trial of Social Work Services in Fracture Clinic Setting
A study is investigating if having a social worker available in fracture clinics can improve recovery for people who have had a serious broken bone needing surgery. Many people face mental health issues, financial worries, or housing problems during recovery, which current care often misses. This trial will involve 2,000 patients and aims to see if social worker support reduces emergency room visits, improves mental health, financial security, and job prospects. It will also check if people are happier with their care, use less strong pain medication, and miss fewer follow-up appointments. Patients will be split into two groups: one with social work support and one with standard care, with follow-up over a year.
At a glance
What is this study about?
When you break a bone badly enough to need surgery, the recovery can be long and challenging. Beyond the physical healing, many people face other difficulties such as feeling low or anxious, struggling with finances because they can't work, or even worrying about housing and food. At the moment, doctors and nurses mainly focus on treating the physical injury, and these other important concerns often don't get enough attention.
This study, called "Trial of Social Work Services in Fracture Clinic Setting," wants to see if having a social worker in the fracture clinic can help fill this gap. Social workers can offer support, information, and connect you with services that help with things like mental health, money worries, or practical advice. The aim is to make your recovery smoother and more complete, looking at your overall well-being, not just your bones.
The researchers are hoping to include 2,000 patients in this study. They want to find out if getting support from a social worker means people are less likely to need emergency care, feel better mentally, are more financially secure, and how satisfied they are with their overall recovery journey. If this study shows that social worker support makes a real difference, it could change how care is given to everyone who experiences a serious broken bone after surgery in the future, making sure people get the all-round support they need.
Key takeaways
- Tests if social workers in fracture clinics improve overall recovery.
- Aims to help with mental health, money, and practical aspects of healing.
- Compares social work support to usual care for 2,000 patients.
- Participation involves questionnaires and potential social worker contact for up to a year.
- Could change how care is provided after a serious broken bone.
Who may be eligible?
To be able to take part in this study, you would generally need to be 18 years old or older and have had a broken bone that required surgery. This break must have happened within the last 12 weeks. You also need to be willing to follow the study's plan and give your permission to be involved. This means understanding what the study is about and agreeing to participate.
There are certain situations where you wouldn't be able to join the study. For example, if you are currently in prison, or if doctors expect you to live for less than six months. If you have a serious illness that also means you are not expected to live beyond six months, you also wouldn't be eligible. Also, if you are already in another trial that doesn't allow you to be in two studies at once, or if there are language barriers that would make it impossible for you to take part in the study activities, you wouldn't be able to join.
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?
- Did you break a bone that needed surgery?
- Was your bone broken within the last 12 weeks?
- Are you willing to complete questionnaires and follow the study plan?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part in this study, you will be randomly assigned to one of two groups, like picking names out of a hat. One group will receive support from a social worker, and the other group will receive the usual care you would expect after a broken bone. If you are in the social worker group, the social worker will talk to you, understand your individual needs, and provide support, information, and refer you to other services if needed. This support will continue for up to one year.
Regardless of which group you are in, you will be asked to fill out questionnaires when you first join the study, and then again at 6 weeks, and at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after you started. These questionnaires will help the researchers understand how you are recovering and how you feel about your care. There are no study medications involved.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (2)
- Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma CentreVerified postcodeSan Francisco, United States· Recruiting
- Hamilton Health Sciences - Hamilton General HospitalVerified postcodeHamilton, Canada· Not yet recruiting
Common questions
What is a 'fracture clinic setting'?
It's the part of the hospital or clinic where you go for follow-up care after breaking a bone.
What kind of support would a social worker provide?
They can help with things like finding mental health support, managing financial worries, or getting help with housing and other daily needs.
Will I get money for being in the study?
The information provided does not mention any financial payment for participating in this study.
What does 'usual care' mean?
It means the standard medical care you would normally receive for your broken bone, without the added social worker support being tested.
How long will the study last for me?
Your participation could last up to one year, with questionnaires at specific points during that time.
How to find out more
Paula McKay, BSc
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
Community discussion
Powered by our forum at community.patient.info. Please be respectful — this is not medical advice.