A mixed-method review of the efficacy of a virtual fracture clinic: an 8-year follow up

Abstract

Background: Virtual fracture clinics are well established methods of managing trauma patients safely and effectively. While they have been widely adopted, there is a lack of research on their longer-term implementation and success. Aims: This paper aimed to review factors that may influence the success of a virtual fracture clinic. Methods: Business analytics were used to calculate clinic discharge and return rates, as well as the reasons for them. Qualitative analysis was used to look at patient satisfaction with virtual consultations; data were extracted from two differing time points via telephone interviews. Results: The mean discharge rate across the 2014–2021 period was 28%. The largest discharge rate was seen in 2014 (43%) and the lowest was seen in 2021 (28%). Return rates to the emergency department at the two different time points were 2% and 0.9% respectively. Patient satisfaction was rated as ‘good’ or higher in all parameters at both time points. Discussion: This article describes the long-term success of a virtual fracture clinic. Results demonstrate excellent patient satisfaction coupled with the lowest return rates in the published literature. Discharge rates started extremely high and have declined with time. The factors for these results are discussed along with ideas for further prospective research.