Cost Information on Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treatment Decisions

Given the large societal costs of carpal tunnel surgery and existence of a relatively
inexpensive treatment option, carpal tunnel release provides fertile ground for testing
whether societal costs can influence patient decision-making in hand surgery. Such work would
inform future efforts to reduce societal healthcare costs by elucidating whether appeals to
societal cost are effective at driving stewardship of limited healthcare resources at the
patient level. In this study, the investigators aimed to answer this question by presenting
participants with a hypothetical scenario in which the participants had to choose between
surgery and wrist bracing for carpal tunnel syndrome. Participants were randomized into two
cohorts and societal cost information was presented to the intervention group. The effect of
societal cost information on treatment choice is assessed, along with participants'
healthcare attitudes.

Inclusion Criteria:

- English speaking upper extremity patients

- Nontraumatic condition

Exclusion Criteria:

- Traumatic condition