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Latest news and updates about Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust including MTW Hospitals Charity and research news.
Trust recognised for recruitment to wrist fracture study
New research is investigating the best way of treating wrist fractures, with Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust (MTW) involving over 100 patients and ranking second in the country for recruitment to the DRAFT3 study.
DRAFT3 investigates the treatment of wrist fractures in patients aged 16 years and over.
It compares casts and splints, assessing patients' pain levels and their ability to carry out everyday activities.
Traditionally, wrist fractures are managed with a plaster cast for four to six weeks. However, recent research suggests a removable splint may provide similar support and be more convenient for patients and reducing the need for follow-up hospital visits.
During the recruitment period, over 540 patients were screened for eligibility.
Of the 109 patients who agreed to participate, 54 were assigned to receive a cast and 55 to receive a splint.
Patients in both treatment groups will be followed up for one year to monitor their progress.
Research in urgent and emergency care can be challenging due to the fast-paced environment and large numbers of patients.
Recruiting so many participants was possible thanks to the team of doctors and emergency practitioners in urgent care and the Virtual Fracture Clinic, who completed study training and supported the trial.
The research was led at the Trust by Principal Investigator, Anna Tunnicliff; Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, Mr Ranjit Sehjal; and associate principal investigators, Dr Chiedozie Ikwu and Sarah de Coverley, Advanced Clinical Practitioner.
In recognising the Trust as one of the study’s leading recruiters, the DRAFT3 team also recognised 41 colleagues for their contribution to this vital research, which has the potential to improve patient experience while reducing healthcare costs.
Research of this kind is vital in ensuring patients receive evidence-based care.
The findings have the potential to improve patient experience, reduce healthcare costs and minimise the need for additional, time-consuming hospital appointments.
To find out more about taking part in research at MTW, email mtw-tr.researchgovernance@nhs.net