WISE is a physiotherapy study, aimed at patients aged 50 and over who are recovering from a wrist fracture. The study compares usual care (exercises only - our current treatment at CHFT) against that plus three physiotherapy sessions. The Research Team have been working with the fracture clinic team and our physiotherapists to find, recruit and follow up with eligible patients who attend for cast removal appointments.
As a result of their teamwork, they've managed to recruit enough patients onto the study that they have now closed to further recruitment - months ahead of schedule. This has made CHFT (for the second time) the highest recruiting Trust for this study, and has meant the study has reached its overall national target.
Clinical Research Nurse, Alesha Antwi, said: "The fracture clinic team, especially Research Champion Stacey Bywater, have been a major part of the success of this study. They have really embraced research in their area and truly understand the positive impact it can have on their practice and patient outcomes.
"Physiotherapist Claire Paxman is the Principal Investigator (PI) for the study. She is a fantastic PI and has helped us build a strong, professional relationship with the outpatient physiotherapy team. They are also a vital part in the success of the study, as they are responsible for following up with the usual care, plus physio treatment option. They've been so good in fact, that we're now looking to open more physio-led studies in the future."
"To help with the recruitment onto the study, the fracture team regularly check the research clinic board to be aware of any studies recruiting in their area. They also help to streamline the recruitment process by understanding the requirements of the study and providing this information to patients. This allows them to consider participation before speaking with the research team.
"These positive changes towards research in the fracture clinic are allowing the research team to open more orthopaedic and physiotherapy studies, to help us deliver the best treatment and services."
