The Handshake Test: A Nonverbal Assessment of Coping Strategies and Functional Status in Patients with Atraumatic Upper-Extremity Conditions

Abstract

Background: Maladaptive coping strategies can lead to less functional improvement after upper-extremity surgery. It remains uncertain how well surgeons can recognize signs of less effective coping strategies in patients in the absence of formalized questionnaires. Our purpose is to determine if the "Handshake Test" can be used to identify patients with less effective coping strategies. We hypothesize that a simple physical examination finding (a refusal or inability to shake hands) is associated with higher pain level, maladaptive coping strategies and decreased functional status.

Methods: We prospectively analyzed 246 consecutive new patients presenting to one of three surgeons with atraumatic upper-extremity conditions. Patients completed a pain scale (NPRS) and PROMIS instruments including Self-Efficacy (SE) for Managing Symptoms, Pain Interference (PI) and Upper Extremity (UE). Each surgeon recorded a refusal to shake hands as part of a normal greeting, referred to as a "positive Handshake Test".

Results: 200 patients (81%) patients completed all outcome measures and were included in our analysis. 8% demonstrated a positive Handshake Test. Patients with a positive Handshake Test were more likely to use tobacco; otherwise baseline demographics were similar between the two groups. Patients with a positive Handshake Test demonstrated higher pain scores (NPRS and PROMIS PI), lower levels of self-efficacy and worse self-reported functional status on the PROMIS UE.

Conclusions: For patients with atraumatic upper-extremity conditions, those with a positive Handshake Test report higher pain levels, lower self-efficacy, and decreased self-reported functional status than patients who can perform a handshake. This simple test can aid in identifying patients with less effective coping strategies, allowing surgeons to guide patients towards interventions to improve both illness behavior and functional outcomes.Level of Evidence: II.

Keywords: coping strategies; hand surgery; pain catastrophizing; physical examination; upper-extremity surgery.