Priority 2 from the Broken Bones of the Upper Limb in People over 50

UNCERTAINTY: What type of information should patients over 50 with an upper limb fracture be given and how should this be provided? (e.g. nutrition, pain relief, rehabilitation, return to work, driving, sport / exercise) (JLA PSP Priority 2)
Overall ranking 2
JLA question ID 0093/2
Explanatory note Information is crucial in enabling a patient to engage in their treatment and recovery after an upper limb fracture. However, what information do they need, how should it be delivered and does the lack of information lead to poorer outcomes? Should this information be standardised across the health system? Uncertainties related to weight bearing; pain relief; beneficial and detrimental activities; nutrition; exercise; driving; sport; and work
Evidence

National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Fractures (non-complex): assessment and management (NG38). London: NICE, 2016.

The British Society of Surgery for the Hand. Best Practice for management of Distal Radius Fractures (DRFs). BSSH, 2018
Health Research Classification System category Injuries and Accidents
Extra information provided by this PSP
Original uncertainty examples Is there information that patients can learn from to manage their problem? ~ How useful is it to provide patients with information about their fracture, exercises and hygiene, etc to help the patient manage? ~ Are there information leaflets I can have or website recommended? ~ Is the whole process, including expected/normal outcomes communicated properly? ~ What should I do to promote recovery after a radial head fracture? ~ What might be the longer term limitations when trying to return to sport? ~ What force can a patient safely apply in functional activities following a distal radius fracture?
Submitted by 57 x Healthcare Professionals, 82 x Patients, 7 x Carers/relative, 29 x not stated
PSP information
PSP unique ID 0093
PSP name Broken Bones of the Upper Limb in People over 50 PSP
Total number of uncertainties identified by this PSP. 50 (To see a full list of all uncertainties identified, please see the detailed spreadsheet held on the JLA website)
Date of priority setting workshop 3 December 2018