Patients’ and Therapists’ Perceptions of Duration of Rehabilitation for Postoperative Distal Radius Fractures: An Exploratory Study

Discrepancies exist between therapists' objective assessments and patients' subjective recovery requirements regarding therapy continuation. With limited evidence supporting therapy beyond 12 wk, integrating patient-reported outcomes into shared decision-making may enhance functional recovery and satisfaction, particularly during the first 8 wk postoperation. Plain-Language Summary: This study investigated how patients and occupational therapists decide whether to continue or discontinue therapy after a wrist fracture. Therapists focus on movement and strength, whereas patients care more about how their hand feels during daily activities. Early after surgery, their views were different; however, by 8 weeks, similarities were observed. Subsequently, differences reemerged. The results suggest that listening to patients' experiences, especially during the first 8 weeks, may improve therapy plans and recovery outcomes.