Eligibility

Local study conflicts

None

Inclusion Criteria:

Participant is willing and able to give informed consent for participation in the study
Aged 16 years or above
Presenting with a fracture of the distal radius which, in the opinion of the treating clinician, does not require a manipulation of the fracture

Exclusion Criteria:

The participant may not enter the study if any one of the following apply:

They present to research team more than 2 weeks post-injury
The fracture is open (Gustilo and Anderson >1)
They are unable to adhere to trial procedures, e.g. patients with permanent cognitive impairment, or other concomitant severe injuries e.g. head injury

If the patient is eligible:

Gain verbal agreement in principle before proceeding. Explain:

Taking part in research is likely to improve the quality of their care
Risks are carefully controlled - research is safe
Explain the uncertainty that exists with respect to treatment of their condition;
If they change their mind they can withdraw their participation at any point

Step by Step Guide to Recruitment:

In standard working hours

The team aims to be available 8am-4pm Monday to Friday;
In research team working hours (If research team member is available, they will be signed in on alertive).
Contact them via Ed research on alertive or extension 1041.

When the ED Research team is not available:

Estimated time to recruit a patient

30 minutes

Gather documentation

Collect patient pack (patient information sheet and discharge booklet) from shelves in trolley bay

image of a rack with documents on it

Gaining formal consent

Using an ipad or smartphone access the following website: The DRAFT3-CASP Study (digitrial.com)

Or,

Tap the button below to display a QR code link to the patient information video, for the patient to scan:

Click on ‘Patient Information Site’ link to open the patient information page in a new tab. Allow the patient to read through it or view the video
Go back to the homepage on the previous tab (or use the same link above again to re-open) and click ‘Enrol a new patient’ (You'll need the REDCap password
Complete the questionnaires with the patient

**Please note that the first set of questionnaires aims to assess the patient’s level of ability PRIOR to the injury**

Randomisation procedure

Once all the necessary data has been captured on the REDCap site you will then be given the treatment allocation

Carrying out the intervention:

Inform clinician treating patient of allocation.
Arrange for either splint or plaster to be applied

Documentation

Document on trust paperwork (provided in recruitment pack) consent discussion and treatment allocation.
Provide patient with a copy of their consent form by logging into redcap here;

Pass paperwork to the clinical team

Disposition and follow-up:

If admitted:

Standard follow-up and safety net advice

If discharged:

Standard follow-up and safety net advice
Provide the patient with the DRAFT3 discharge leaflet

Links for further information:

Click here for trial website
Click here for a 2-minute video animation to explain the study