Telephone clinic follow-up following carpal tunnel decompression.

This paper investigates the feasibility of a telephone clinic follow-up service for patients undergoing carpal tunnel decompression. Six hundred and thirty patients were recruited over a 2-year period and we assessed their outcome and satisfaction level in the service, using a pre-determined questionnaire 6 weeks following surgery. The telephone clinic was overseen by a surgical care practitioner. We followed up 598 patients (93%) in total, and found 42 patients to be dissatisfied with the service (7%). These patients were referred for outpatient consultation and investigation. Most patients were satisfied with their surgical outcome and found the telephone clinic service to be convenient and effective. Cost analysis calculations estimated a potential saving of pound 45,958 over the 2-year period when compared to standard outpatient consultation. This model has been developed in our trust to follow up patients undergoing similar minor hand surgery.