Direct Access to Surgery for Patients with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome 4 Apr 2016

In an effort to improve access to surgery for those patients with carpal tunnel syndrome requiring a carpal tunnel release but do not meet ACC criteria, we have developed a pathway by which patients meeting certain criteria will be triaged straight to surgery.

In an effort to improve access to surgery for those patients with carpal tunnel syndrome requiring a carpal tunnel release but do not meet ACC criteria, we have developed a pathway by which patients meeting certain criteria will be triaged straight to surgery.

The pathway has been up and running for a year now. Surgery is undertaken in Whakatane Hospital with patients being consented on the day.

All patients with carpal tunnel syndrome being referred to the DHB should have their referral sent on the carpal tunnel syndrome eReferral (seen below). This will guide you through the information required to judge whether patients are appropriate for direct access surgery.

Even if not appropriate for direct access surgery, the information contained within is still necessary to assess whether the person should have further interventions in the community or be reviewed in clinic.