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Completed

NCT Number: NCT03880812

Cost Information on Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treatment Decisions

The purpose of this study was to determine whether the provision of societal cost information affects patients' decisions whether or not to undergo surgical management in carpal tunnel syndrome, using a hypothetical scenario.

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Key information

Conditions

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Cumulative Trauma Disorders Median Neuropathy Mononeuropathies Nerve Compression Syndromes Nervous System Diseases Neuromuscular Diseases Peripheral Nervous System Diseases Sprains and Strains Wounds and Injuries

Age range

18 year–89 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

ATX Ortho, Austin, Texas, United States

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About this study

Given the large societal costs of carpal tunnel surgery and existence of a relatively inexpensive treatment option, carpal tunnel release provides fertile ground for testing whether societal costs can influence patient decision-making in hand surgery. Such work would inform future efforts to reduce societal healthcare costs by elucidating whether appeals to societal cost are effective at driving stewardship of limited healthcare resources at the patient level. In this study, the investigators aimed to answer this question by presenting participants with a hypothetical scenario in which the participants had to choose between surgery and wrist bracing for carpal tunnel syndrome. Participants were randomized into two cohorts and societal cost information was presented to the intervention group. The effect of societal cost information on treatment choice is assessed, along with participants' healthcare attitudes.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • English speaking upper extremity patients
  • Nontraumatic condition

Exclusion criteria

  • Traumatic condition

Treatment and study plan

Societal cost

Other

Annual societal cost information to the US for carpal tunnel release surgery was displayed.

Primary outcomes

  1. Number of participants choosing carpal tunnel release or splinting

    Time frame: Immediately after reading the hypothetical scenario

    Choice for carpal tunnel release over splinting. All participants were presented a hypothetical case of mild carpal tunnel syndrome. The scenario described (nocturnal) symptoms of numbness and tingling and two treatment choices: carpal tunnel release or wrist splinting. In addition, participants were randomized to review total annual societal cost information for CTR procedures in the United States. After reviewing the case, participants were asked to indicate if they would choose surgery (more expensive) or splinting (less expensive). Scoring was measured on a 6-point ordinal Likert scale (ranging from 1="Definitely not" to 6="Definitely").

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

University of Texas at Austin

Other

Collaborators

  • Stanford University

Registry information

Official study title

Does Societal Cost Information Affect Patient Decision-Making in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Important dates

Study start
2018
Primary completion
2018
Study completion
2018
First posted
Mar 19, 2019
Registry last updated
Mar 19, 2019

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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