Abstract:

INTRODUCTION: This article describes the outcome of a nurse-led service developed to manage patients referred with a presumptive diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: We developed a rapid-access service in response to unacceptable waiting times for patients with carpal tunnel syndrome. The service was developed around the role of a nurse practitioner providing a single practitioner pathway from first clinic appointment, through surgery to discharge.

RESULTS: Waiting times improved considerably whilst the standard and quality of care was maintained.

CONCLUSIONS: There is a role for nurses to perform certain surgical procedures within a well-defined environment.

Keywords: NURSE OPERATOR; CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME

Document Type: Research article

DOI: 10.1308/003588406X114712

Affiliations: 1: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Leicester General Hospital, Leicester, UK