Complex Regional Pain Syndrome in Patients being Treated in UF Health Centers
Name:
Dr. Sharareh Sharififar
Email
sharareh75@ufl.edu
Phone
(352) 273-8453
Faculty Department/Division
Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
This project is primarily:
Clinical
Research Project Description:
Our objective is to identify patients at risk of developing Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) following distal limb injury or surgery and determine the overall incidence of CRPS in patients treated at UF Health Centers. Addressing a gap in the literature regarding the characteristics of CRPS treatments and their potential side effects is a primary focus of this retrospective chart review study. We will collect information on UF Health patients from January 1, 2003, to December 31, 2023, with data sourced from Patient Financial Services.
The study will include patients with distal limb injuries who developed CRPS, with or without peripheral nerve injuries. Exclusions apply to those with pre-existing CRPS diagnoses, co-existing neurological illnesses, pathological fractures (e.g., malignancy-related), pregnancy, abnormal limb positioning or posturing post-injury, or any coexisting illness affecting normal recovery. Eligible subjects’ data will be recorded in an Excel file with anonymous record IDs. Follow-up outcomes up to one year post-treatment will be assessed for enrolled subjects.
Medical students will assist in data extraction through chart reviews. The research team, involved in providing usual care for the study patient population, aims to address the lack of literature on CRPS treatment characteristics. This research offers medical students exposure to real-world patient cases, enhancing clinical reasoning skills, understanding of medical documentation practices, and insight into evidence-based treatment plans for distal limb injuries.
Chart reviews allow students to appreciate the continuity of care and interdisciplinary collaboration over time. Engagement in chart reviews exposes students to patient confidentiality, ethical considerations, and professionalism. Additionally, this involvement may open avenues for students to participate in research projects, contributing to medical knowledge advancement. Understanding patient histories prepares students for future clinical encounters by providing context, and the critical analysis of patient data encourages the development of critical thinking skills in medical decision-making.
Does this project have an international component or travel?
No