The aid has been designed to be practical and easy to use. As part of the development of the aid, the researchers carried out trials to evaluate its effectiveness. The results strongly suggest the aid has potential to improve diagnostic accuracy for both GPs and occupational physicians, leading to fewer incorrect diagnoses. Trial participants found the aid easy to use and the majority thought the time required to use it was acceptable. In addition to helping the correct diagnosis of upper limb disorder cases, the aid is also likely to be useful in training doctors.
Further work is in hand to promote the use of the aid.
Priced publications are also available from booksellers. Notes to Editors 1. All contract research reports are funded by the HSE but their contents are the views of the authors alone and do not necessarily reflect HSE's policy. Upper limb disorders is an umbrella term for musculoskeletal conditions affecting the neck, shoulder, arm, wrist or hand. Upper limb disorders can be caused by a variety of things either in the workplace, or in home or leisure activities.