![]() Prior to pathway adjustment we conducted a review of the literature to determine the current evidence in relation to the designs, efficiency and effectiveness of virtual fracture clinics. Whilst we have not identified any concerns in relation to safety from this way of working, future studies are still needed (and on-going) to add to the growing body of evidence in relation to the VFC model in the longer term. ![]() It also provides substantial cost savings. There were over 100 different types of injuries reviewed.Ĭonclusion: Our redesigned clinic during the COVID-19 pandemic has proved to be an efficient and safe method to manage fracture patients. The re-design resulted in substantial annual cost avoidance of around £129,000. Only 41 patients (1.5 %) presenting to the VFC required admission for surgery. 973 patients (31%) were reviewed in the general fracture clinic or subspecialty clinics. There were no formal complaints about the VFC during the study period. Of these 49/3035 (2%) re-contacted under an SOS code with on-going or new problems. Results: In the first 7 months the overall rate of discharge was 2021/3035 patients (66%). Method: We recorded the type of injury, discharge data, face to face urgent and non-urgent fracture clinic consultations, patients admitted for surgery, SOS queries and any complaints for all patients reviewed in VFC between March -September 2020, we also documented the perceived benefits and less positive features for this new way of working. Objectives: The aims were to document and report the frequency and types of injuries reviewed in VFC and to determine the impact in terms of efficiency (frequency of decreased face to face contacts, cost avoidances), clinical governance and effectiveness (SOS contacts, complaints and adverse effects). VFC’s have been successfully trailed in other orthopaedic departments, however, no study has reported on the process of setting up a VFC during a pandemic, nor the frequency and types of injuries seen in the clinic. All patients received a copy of the clinic note outlining an agreed management plan. Background: At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic we introduced a Virtual Fracture Clinic (VFC) in our orthopaedic department in which clinical records and imaging were reviewed by an orthopaedic consultant and physiotherapist / nurse without the patient being physically present.
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