Surgeon confidence in an outpatient setting

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Hand Surgery
• Patient-Reported Outcomes

Background:

• Provider uncertainty may stem from nonspecific pathology or disproportionate symptoms, linked to depression and low patient self-efficacy.
• This study investigated the relationship between physician confidence and patient self-efficacy in hand and upper extremity surgery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To test the hypothesis that there is no correlation between provider confidence and patient self-efficacy.
• To explore factors influencing physician confidence in orthopedic hand and upper extremity diagnoses and treatment.

Main Methods:

• Eighty-five patients undergoing orthopedic hand and upper extremity surgery completed the Pain Self-Efficacy Questionnaire (PSEQ).
• Physician confidence was assessed using the Physician Confidence Scale, measuring confidence in diagnosis, treatment, outcome, and patient/referring doctor satisfaction.
• Study design was prognostic with Level II evidence.

Main Results:

• Physician confidence was generally high, but showed no correlation with patient self-efficacy scores (PSEQ).
• Provider confidence was lower for nonspecific diagnoses.
• No significant difference in PSEQ scores was observed between patients with specific versus nonspecific diagnoses.

Conclusions:

• Physician confidence was not related to patient self-efficacy in this cohort.
• Patient self-efficacy appears independent of physician confidence in orthopedic hand and upper extremity care.