Ervaringen in de eerste- en tweedelijns zorg van Dupuytren patiënten

In 2021, a survey was conducted among Dupuytren's disease patients at the University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG) and members of Stichting Dupuytren Nederland (SDN). It focused on their experiences with general practitioners (GPs) and treatment pathways. Response rates were 69% for UMCG patients and 49% for SDN members.
Key findings: The most common reasons for consulting a GP were limited finger extension (35%) and noticing lumps or cords in the palm (30%). Half of the patients waited over six months before visiting their GP. About 25% were referred for additional tests, contrary to GP guidelines. Only 50% felt adequately informed by their GP, demonstrating room for improvement here.
Referrals were primarily to plastic surgeons (90%). UMCG patients were more often referred to university hospitals, reflecting its role as an expert center.
The main treatments were selective fasciectomy (UMCG: 55%, SDN: 67%) and percutaneous needle fasciotomy (PNF) (UMCG: 36%, SDN: 23%), showing a possible difference in treatment policy between centers.
In one-third of the patients, recovery look longer than 6 weeks after selective fasciectomy, and a similar proportion of patients could use their hand again after 5 days after needle fasciotomy.