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Developing a pathway of care for carpal tunnel syndrome

Year:
2020
Duration:
12 months
Approved budget:
$59,769.00
Researchers:
Dr Miranda Buhler
Health issue:
Other (generic health or health services)
Proposal type:
Health Delivery Research Development Award
Lay summary
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) affects one in 10 people at some point, causing pain, loss of feeling, interfering in daily function, sleep, and work. Untreated CTS can result in permanent nerve damage and impaired hand function. Although good clinical guidelines exist for best practice management of CTS, many people do not access or receive timely care, which can result in higher rates of surgical procedures and/or disability. This research will develop a best practice care pathway for CTS in the Southern District by engaging Māori and other groups with lower care utilisation in co-design. This may include advances in technology e.g. telehealth and web-based programmes, to deliver patient information and care, and embed routine collection of outcomes and patient/public feedback. The planned outcome is a responsive model of care that improves quality and equity of health service delivery and has application for other musculoskeletal conditions.