Nurse-led management of carpal tunnel syndrome: an audit of outcomes and impact on waiting times.

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.