{
  "abstract": "Objectives Virtual Fracture Clinics (VFCs) are becoming increasingly common both in Australia and internationally, to treat patients with simple fractures. VFCs reduce the burden on traditional in-person fracture clinics, improve the sustainability of orthopaedic services, and in turn the environmental footprint of clinical care. Whilst qualitative studies have explored the experiences of clinicians delivering care in a virtual setting, no studies have specifically explored the clinician experience of implementation and delivery of virtual fracture care. With clinicians well placed to identify opportunities and barriers to safe and sustainable delivery of virtual care, and drivers of overuse of imaging, unnecessary appointments and representations, this research aimed to identify pragmatic solutions for optimal implementation and delivery of VFC services.Method A qualitative interview study was conducted with clinicians in multiple countries involved in the delivery of virtual fracture care. Participants were purposively sampled to participate in one-on-one semi-structured interviews online or by phone. Semi-structured interviews explored clinicians’ experiences delivering fracture care virtually, any concerns or benefits of using virtual care, patient factors to consider and the potential for future use and development of the service. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic analysis.Results To date, we have conducted 25 interviews with clinicians who have worked implementing or delivering virtual fracture care both in Australia and internationally. Four preliminary themes have been identified including: 1) VFCs are broadly an accepted model of care, 2) Training is generally site specific and varies considerably, 3) VFCs improve time and resource efficiency for the patient and the service, and 4) Administrative resource challenges can significantly impact clinicians. Analysis is expected to be completed by mid 2025 and will be presented at the conference.Conclusions Interview data to date demonstrates the broad acceptance of virtual fracture clinic models of care. Participants often stated that the improvement in patient flow results in a more sustainable fracture clinic model and a reduction in unnecessary appointments, travel time and imaging when there is appropriate resourcing in place. Our study results will contribute to improving the delivery of safe and effective virtual patient care and will provide valuable information for clinicians and health organisations when implementing virtual fracture clinics.",
  "authors": [
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia"
      ],
      "name": "Rowena Charteris"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia",
        "The Institute of Musculoskeletal Health, Sydney, Australia"
      ],
      "name": "Adrian Traeger"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia",
        "Sydney Health Literacy Lab, Sydney, Australia"
      ],
      "name": "Kristen Pickles"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia",
        "Sydney Health Literacy Lab, Sydney, Australia"
      ],
      "name": "Tessa Copp"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia",
        "The Institute of Musculoskeletal Health, Sydney, Australia"
      ],
      "name": "Chris Maher"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia",
        "The Institute of Musculoskeletal Health, Sydney, Australia"
      ],
      "name": "Josh Zadro"
    }
  ],
  "title": "042 Virtual fracture clinics to improve healthcare sustainability: the clinician experience",
  "uid": "8c18508a-4aed-5aae-a9cb-6bed37a4acf0"
}