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Factors Associated With Patient-Initiated Communication After Mohs Micrographic Surgery
Pooja Chitgopeker1, Kirk Sidey2, Adam Aronson1
1Department of Dermatology, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa.
Background:
Despite extensive counseling, patients commonly call with postoperative concerns after Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS).
Objective:
We sought to determine the incidence, reasons, and patient and surgical characteristics that lead to patient-initiated communication after MMS.
Materials And Methods:
A retrospective chart review of 1,531 patients who underwent MMS during the observational period was conducted. Demographics and perioperative characteristics of patients who initiated communication were compared with a random sample of matched controls.
Results:
Of the 1,531 patients who underwent MMS, 263 patients (17.2%) initiated 412 communication encounters within 90 days of surgery. Top reasons for patient-initiated communication included wound concerns, bleeding, and postoperative pain. Female patients and those with a larger surgical defect size (cm) were more likely to call postoperatively. Patients who underwent second intention healing, grafts, and interpolation flaps were more likely to initiate communication compared to patients repaired with a linear closure.
Conclusion:
This study identifies the incidence, reasons, and patient and surgical factors predictive of patient-initiated communication after MMS, which may allow for targeted improvements in postoperative counseling, ameliorating patient anxiety, augmenting patient satisfaction, and improved efficiency for the health care team.
Insights
Many patients contact doctors after Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) for concerns like wound issues or pain. Understanding these reasons can improve patient care and reduce anxiety.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Surgical Oncology
- Patient Communication
Background:
- Patients frequently contact healthcare providers with concerns following Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS).
- Postoperative communication is common despite pre-operative counseling.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence and reasons for patient-initiated communication after MMS.
- To identify patient and surgical characteristics associated with postoperative calls.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective chart review of 1,531 patients undergoing MMS.
- Comparison of demographics and perioperative factors between patients who initiated communication and matched controls.
Main Results:
- 17.2% of patients initiated 412 communication encounters within 90 days post-MMS.
- Common reasons included wound concerns, bleeding, and pain.
- Female patients, larger defect sizes, and specific repair types (second intention healing, grafts, interpolation flaps) were associated with increased communication.
Conclusions:
- Identifies key factors predicting patient-initiated communication post-MMS.
- Findings can guide targeted improvements in postoperative counseling.
- Aims to reduce patient anxiety, enhance satisfaction, and improve healthcare team efficiency.
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