The Orthopaedic Trauma Association Web Site as an Educational Tool: Improving Knowledge and Reducing Anxiety in Trauma Patients.

Abstract

To evaluate the effectiveness of the Orthopaedic Trauma Association (OTA) Patient Education Tool in improving patient knowledge, reducing anxiety levels, and enhancing satisfaction. Secondary objectives included assessing the tool's usability and overall experience. Prospective study. Single-center, Level I trauma center orthopaedic outpatient clinic. English-speaking adult patients presenting with a fracture and/or dislocation for a new or follow-up visit (≤3 months postinjury) between November 2022 and December 2023 were eligible. Patients were excluded if they were more than 3 months postinjury, non-English speaking, had cognitive impairment, or were unable to complete the study instruments. Patients completed pre- and postintervention knowledge quizzes, the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and a usability questionnaire after accessing the OTA Patient Education Tool. Primary outcomes included changes in knowledge and anxiety scores. Secondary outcomes included usability ratings and overall satisfaction. Ninety-three patients (median age: 40.5 years Interquartile Range [IQR]: 28.0-57.5]; 50.5% male) completed the study. Knowledge scores significantly improved from 71.4% [IQR: 64.3-78.6] to 92.9% [IQR: 85.7-100.0] (P < 0.001). State anxiety decreased from 7.0 [IQR: 5.0-9.0] to 6.0 [IQR: 5.0-8.0] (P = 0.001), and trait anxiety decreased from 7.0 [IQR: 6.0-10.0] to 6.0 [IQR: 5.0-9.0] (P < 0.001). Usability ratings indicated 85.7% of patients were "very satisfied" with the tool's ease of use, logical structure, and usefulness. Overall satisfaction received a median score of 7.0 [6.0-7.0] on a 7-point scale, with 67.7% of patients rating it as perfect. The OTA Patient Education Tool significantly improved knowledge and reduced anxiety in orthopaedic trauma patients. High usability and satisfaction ratings supported its role as an adjunct to traditional patient education. Therapeutic Level II. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.