Related Experiment Videos
Patient expectations for surgery: are they being met?
K R Jones1, R E Burney, B Christy
1School of Nursing, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Denver 80262, USA. katherine.jones@uchsc.edu
The Joint Commission Journal on Quality Improvement
|June 7, 2000
Summary
Patient expectations for surgery were unmet in 9-27% of cases, particularly after parathyroidectomy. Better preparation for surgery and recovery can reduce unmet expectations.
Area of Science:
- Surgical Outcomes Research
- Patient Experience
- Health Services Research
Background:
- Patient expectations significantly influence surgical outcomes and satisfaction.
- Understanding unmet expectations is crucial for improving patient care and interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess patient expectations for elective surgery outcomes.
- To determine the extent to which expectations were met.
- To identify reasons for and predictors of unmet expectations.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal, prospective study of 445 patients undergoing inguinal hernia repair, parathyroidectomy, or cholecystectomy.
- Utilized preoperative interviews and mailed surveys 2 months post-surgery.
- Employed standardized and condition-specific health survey instruments.
Main Results:
- 9-27% of patients reported unmet expectations, varying by surgical procedure.
- Reasons for unmet expectations included lack of symptom relief, complications, and process issues.
- Parathyroidectomy patients had higher rates of unmet expectations; preparation and recovery improved outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Enhanced patient preparation for surgical procedures and recovery is vital.
- Targeted interventions are needed, especially for complex conditions like primary hyperparathyroidism.
- Educational strategies and attention to unstated process measures can reduce unmet expectations.