Outcome and patients' satisfaction after functional treatment of acute lateral ankle injuries at emergency departments versus family doctor offices
2008

Patient Satisfaction After Ankle Injury Treatment

Sample size: 100 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Schwab Patrik R, Benneker Lorin M, Eggli Stefan, Zimmermann Heinz, Exadaktylos Aristomenis K

Primary Institution: Inselspital, University of Berne

Hypothesis

Does follow-up care by a general practitioner affect patient satisfaction compared to follow-up in an emergency room?

Conclusion

Patients can be referred to their general practitioner for follow-up treatment without affecting their satisfaction with the care received.

Supporting Evidence

  • 98% of patients were satisfied with their treatment.
  • 93% of patients were satisfied with the treatment outcome.
  • No significant difference in satisfaction between the ER and GP groups.

Takeaway

If you hurt your ankle, it doesn't matter if you see a doctor at the hospital or your family doctor later; you'll still feel happy with the care you get.

Methodology

This was a prospective, randomized study with 100 patients suffering from lateral ankle ligament injuries, divided into two groups for follow-up care.

Limitations

The study did not require formal ethical approval as it was classified as a quality control investigation.

Participant Demographics

Patients aged 16 to 64, with a mean age of 34 years in the ER group and 35 years in the GP group.

Statistical Information

P-Value

0.7406

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1471-2296-9-69

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