A Service Evaluation after 4 year’s use of the Virtual Fracture Clinic model by a District General Hospital in the South West of England.

Abstract

IntroductionA Virtual fracture clinic (VFC) was set up in 2015. An initial patient satisfaction survey demonstrated satisfaction with the service. The purpose of this service evaluation was to re-evaluate the VFC by reporting on patient satisfaction. A small audit was undertaken alongside to examine the time taken from ED presentation to VFC review against the British Orthopaedic Association Society for Trauma (BOAST) guidelines of 72 h. Patients and methodsAll patients discharged from VFC in August 2019 were eligible to take part in the patient satisfaction survey. The Electronic Patients Records System (EPRS) was used to generate data regarding time of review and patient return for follow up appointments. ResultsThe results demonstrated that 88% of patients would recommend the service to friends. More than 80% of patients were satisfied with various elements of the service and 80% of patients are seen within the target time of 72 h. ConclusionsPatients continue to be satisfied with the VFC. There seems to be a greater acceptance of not being reviewed by a doctor. In general, patients were seen within 72 h of ED presentation but more work is needed to streamline the process of tertiary referrals.