From the Guidelines
Prior to a steroid injection for Dupuytren's contracture, patients should be provided with clear, accurate, and balanced information about the procedure, including their name, date of birth, and contact details, as well as the expected outcomes, potential risks, and alternatives to the treatment, as outlined in the guideline for obtaining valid consent for gastrointestinal endoscopy procedures 1. The patient information should include:
- Patient's name
- Date of birth
- Telephone number
- Patient's picture (optional but helpful) 1 This information is essential to ensure that patients can make informed decisions about their treatment and to provide them with the necessary details to understand the procedure and its potential consequences. The information provided to patients should be in plain language, easy to understand, and available in different formats and languages to cater to diverse patient needs 1. It is also crucial to emphasize that written information is only part of the consent process, and clinicians involved in the patient pathway have a responsibility to provide verbal information and answer questions, ensuring that patients have a comprehensive understanding of the procedure and its implications 1. By prioritizing patient-centered care and providing clear, accurate, and balanced information, healthcare professionals can empower patients to make informed decisions about their treatment and ensure that they receive the best possible care for their Dupuytren's contracture.
From the Research
Patient Information for Dupuytren's Contracture Steroid Injection
- Prior to the procedure, patients should be informed about the potential benefits and risks of steroid injection for Dupuytren's contracture, as well as the expected outcomes and recurrence rates 2, 3, 4.
- Patients should be aware that the injection may cause softening or flattening of the nodule, but may not completely resolve the condition, and that multiple injections may be necessary 2.
- The patient's medical history, including any allergies or previous reactions to steroids, should be reviewed before administering the injection 3.
- Patients should be informed about the potential for recurrence of the disease, which may require additional injections or other treatments 2, 3, 4.
- The patient's expectations and goals for treatment should be discussed, including the potential for improvement in range of motion and reduction in contracture severity 3, 4.
Pre-Procedure Evaluation
- A thorough evaluation of the patient's condition, including the severity of the contracture and the presence of any comorbidities, should be performed before the procedure 5.
- The patient's palm should be examined to identify the location and size of the nodule or cord, and to determine the best approach for the injection 2, 3.
- The patient's range of motion and contracture severity should be measured and recorded before the procedure, to establish a baseline for comparison with post-procedure outcomes 3, 4.
Informed Consent
- Patients should provide informed consent before undergoing the procedure, which should include a discussion of the potential benefits and risks, as well as the expected outcomes and recurrence rates 2, 3, 4.
- The patient should be aware of the alternative treatment options, including percutaneous needle aponeurotomy and collagenase injection, and the potential benefits and risks of each 6, 5.