Podiatrists at South Australia’s Noarlunga Hospital are set to trial a new model of care for anxious podiatry patients undergoing minor surgical procedures.
The study is an Australian first, which allows public podiatry patients who experience needle-phobia or anxiety to access inhalable medicine, methoxyflurane, known as the ‘green whistle’ to enable the pain-free removal of an ingrown toenail.
Methoxyflurane has been available for use in private podiatry practice since 2010 and is now on the list of approved SA Health medicines for use for podiatry outpatients at Southern Adelaide Local Health Network (SALHN).
Previously, SALHN patients experiencing needle phobia or anxiety about the procedure would be required to have the procedure performed in theatre under general anaesthetic. This can result in increased use of healthcare resources and longer waiting times.
The ability to have their procedure performed at an outpatient clinic allows patients to potentially have their toenail surgery sooner, reducing the possibility of complications including infection and septicaemia.
Rapid access to these procedures will also potentially reduce hospital emergency department presentations and the demand burden on surgical waiting lists.
Led by SALHN Senior Podiatrist Endorsed for Scheduled Medicines and UniSA Masters student, Claire Huxtable, the study will evaluate the effectiveness of methoxyflurane in reducing anxiety and local anaesthetic injection pain, with the hope that it can be expanded to other podiatry departments across Australia.
“The new model of care has been developed in response to a common concern from patients about anxiety relating to needles, injections and associated pain, which if not addressed, can impact negatively upon patient outcomes,” said Ms Huxtable.
“Methoxyflurane can alleviate discomfort while the local anaesthetic is administered, providing a pain-free experience during minor surgery.
“We anticipate our research will show this model of care enables this group of patients to have toenail surgery sooner, with less sedation and a faster recovery. Thank you to the Flinders Foundation and The Hospital Research Foundation Group for making this research possible.”
Podiatrists at Noarlunga Hospital have been awarded a SALHN Enquiry Grant for the study, thanks to funding from Flinders Foundation and The Hospital Research Foundation Group.
“We welcome this research that has the potential to provide rapid access to surgery and reduce demand on our emergency departments,” said ALHN CEO, Dr Kerrie Freeman.
“This research project highlights the value of the SALHN Enquiry Grants, that provide an opportunity for our clinicians and researchers to pursue important projects that can lead to widespread change and improved patient outcomes.”
Six SALHN outpatients have now accessed the green whistle during toenail surgery at Noarlunga Hospital, with the first surgery using the medication taking place in August last year.
