title: Skype: a tool for functional assessment in orthopaedic research.
abstract: Skype is a free program which enables PC users to make video calls to other users with Internet access. We carried out a prospective review of all acromioclavicular joint hook plates for lateral-third clavicle fractures over a five-year period. Functional assessment with Oxford and Constant shoulder scores were carried out using Skype and compared to outpatient review using the Bland-Altman method. Of 36 patients (mean age 36 years), 33 had a computer with a video camera, all 33 had Internet access and 22 were already users of Skype. In total 29 patients were happy to take part in Skype assessment (83%). In comparison with outpatient review, there was a mean difference in the Oxford score of -0.48 (95% confidence interval -0.84, -0.12); the mean difference for the Constant score was -0.68 (95% confidence interval -1.08, -0.29). These differences were not clinically significant, confirming that Skype can be used as an alternative to goniometry in this clinical setting. A survey showed that 93% of 29 patients surveyed preferred the use of Skype for follow-up, mainly due to the convenience and cost-saving involved. The study demonstrates the potential for this new technique in providing patients with more options for follow-up.
authors.affiliation: Department of Trauma, Orthopaedics, Pelvic and Acetabular Reconstructive Surgery, Adelaide and Meath Incorporating the National Children's Hospital, Tallaght, Dublin 24, Ireland. goodd@tcd.ie
authors.forename: Daniel W
authors.initials: DW
authors.lastname: Good
authors.forename: Darren F
authors.initials: DF
authors.lastname: Lui
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Leonard
authors.forename: Seamus
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Morris
authors.forename: John P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: McElwain
mesh_terms: D000173:Acromioclavicular Joint / Q000601:surgery; D000328:Adult; D001860:Bone Plates; D002968:Clavicle / Q000293:injuries / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009985:Orthopedics / Q000458:organization & administration*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D017216:Telemedicine / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult