A photograph-based virtual pathway for patients with Dupuytren's disease.

Abstract

This study examined patient engagement and satisfaction after treatment with a virtual pathway for Dupuytren's disease. All adult patients referred to the Hand Unit with suspected Dupuytren's disease between October 2022 and December 2023 were included. Patients received postal information packs and were asked to submit a functional questionnaire and hand photographs. Non-responders were reminded after 1 month. Submissions were reviewed in a virtual hand clinic, leading to surgery, in-person review or discharge with advice. Patient satisfaction was assessed 1 year after referral via a postal questionnaire. Of the 242 referred patients, 176 submitted photographs. Sixty-eight were fast-tracked for surgery, 68 were scheduled for in-person review and 40 were discharged. The pathway reduced non-essential clinic appointments by 46%. The satisfaction response rate was 44%, with an overall satisfaction rate of 86% and a net promoter score of 41. A virtual assessment model for patients with Dupuytren's disease reduced clinic visits without compromising patient care or satisfaction. Level IV.