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Research Article Open Access
Volume 4 | Issue 1 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.33696/Orthopaedics.4.031

Doctor, Can We Reuse this Brace; Patient Attitudes towards Reuse of Orthopedic Braces

  • 1Department of Trauma and Orthopaedics, Royal Gwent Hospital, Aneurin Bevan University Health Board, Cardiff Road, Newport, United Kingdom, NP20 2UB
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Corresponding Author

Raja Jambulingam, Rajajamb@doctors.org.uk

Received Date: March 03, 2024

Accepted Date: April 10, 2024

Abstract

Introduction: Climate change presents an important threat to human health and wellbeing. Paradoxically, many facets of healthcare provision contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. An important example of this is the use of single use, disposable orthopedic orthotics, widely dispensed in emergency departments and fracture clinics.

This study aimed to understand patients’ attitudes towards climate change, single use plastics, and recycling of orthotics.

Materials and methods: Fracture clinic patients wearing orthotics were invited to complete a questionnaire examining attitudes toward climate change and the recycling of orthotics. Questions explored patient attitudes towards climate change, single use plastics and re-use of orthotics. Free text was also included to identify any patient’s perceived concerns regarding brace re-use.

Results: 93 out of 211 patients in clinic wore orthoses (44.1%). 40 completed the questionnaire giving a 43% response rate. 95% of patients were aware of climate change, attributing an average importance of 7.7 on a Likert scale of 0 (least important) to 10 (most important). 92.5% understood the issue of single use plastics, ascribing an average score of 8 to this. 90% of patients were willing to recycle their orthosis, with 90% also willing to use a recycled orthosis. Free text analysis revealed concerns with infection and brace integrity.

Conclusions: Orthopedic trauma patients recognize the danger of climate change and welcome efforts to address the issue of single use plastic in orthoses by recycling braces. Further research is required to facilitate the production of reusable orthoses and the reprocessing of current orthoses.

Keywords

Recycling, Recycling orthotics, Orthopedic outpatients, Fracture clinic

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