Can patient satisfaction with decisions predict compliance with surgery?

Area of Science:

• Patient-reported outcomes research
• Surgical decision-making
• Healthcare quality improvement

Background:

• Patient satisfaction with treatment decisions is a distinct aspect of overall satisfaction.
• This satisfaction is separate from satisfaction with healthcare services themselves.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate if the Satisfaction With Decision (SWD) scale can predict patient compliance with proposed otolaryngologic surgery.
• The SWD scale is a validated 6-item survey.

Main Methods:

• A prospective study was conducted at a metropolitan hospital.
• 151 patients scheduled for surgery completed the SWD scale and other satisfaction/quality of life measures.
• Reasons for surgical cancellation were ascertained for noncompliant patients.

Main Results:

• The SWD scale score was the strongest predictor of surgical cancellation (P < 0.001).
• Patients with SWD scores <4.0 had a 57% cancellation rate, versus 98% completion for scores >=4.0.
• First-time surgeon visits and self-decision-making were associated with higher cancellation rates.

Conclusions:

• High satisfaction with the initial surgical decision correlates with better treatment compliance.
• Patients scoring below 4.0 on the SWD scale may require additional preoperative counseling to enhance compliance.