A qualitative inquiry to explore management of distal radius fracture by certified hand therapists.

Background: Distal radius fractures (DRF) are extremely common in middle-aged and elderly. Certified Hand Therapists (CHT) are experts in managing hand injuries including DRF.

Purpose: Using qualitative methodology, this study examined practice patterns among CHT and understand prevalent common patterns in managing DRF.

Study Design: Descriptive qualitative study.

Methods: This study utilized a qualitative descriptive method with an inductive approach to discern the practices of CHT in managing DRF. A purposive sample of practicing CHT was assembled. A semi-structured interview guide facilitated qualitative interviews using open-ended questions to assess practices of CHT in the domains of assessment, interventions, and appropriateness for discharge. Two student physical therapists transcribed the interviews, which were verified by a third rater for accuracy. Thematic content analysis guided the coding and analyses of the interview data. A two-phase coding process was conducted using Nvivo software. Two study authors developed initial codebook and completed subsequent analysis of transcripts.

Results: Of the 12 participants, five were PT and seven were OT with an average experience of 14.1 years as a CHT. Practice patterns across domains were largely consistent among CHT. All CHTs reported inquiring about severity of displacement of DRF, orthopedic management, comorbidities, and medical history as well as examining wrist/hand range of motion (ROM), grip strength (GS), and wrist functions (n = 12). A large majority administered outcome measures and performed sensory and integumentary assessment. Patient education regarding injury and exercises was the key element for interventions. Adequate gains in GS, wrist functions, wrist ROM, and ability to use wrist/hand for functional tasks were the key benchmarks for discharge from care.

Discussion: Most practice behaviors were common among CHTs while managing DRF. Some variations exist depending whether their primary discipline is PT or OT. The results highlight knowledge-to-action gap, where most CHTs do not integrate fall-risk management in DRF.

Conclusions: This study identified common practice patterns among CHTs in managing DRF while also identifying opportunity to improve practice by integrating assessment of balance and fall-risk.