Caregiver-reported satisfaction with pediatric movement disorder surgery

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Pediatric Neurology
• Quality Improvement

Background:

• Patient and caregiver satisfaction are key metrics in healthcare.
• Evaluating caregiver satisfaction for pediatric movement disorders (PMDs) is challenging due to patient heterogeneity and lack of standardized tools.
• Neurosurgical management of PMDs requires robust quality metrics, including caregiver perspectives.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess caregiver satisfaction with the neurosurgical management of pediatric movement disorders (PMDs).
• To establish caregiver satisfaction as a quality metric in functional pediatric neurosurgery.
• To identify potential discrepancies in complication perception between caregivers and healthcare providers.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective survey of 50 caregivers of children undergoing PMD surgery at a single institution.
• A 4-question dichotomous survey administered via telephone, including non-English speakers.
• Correlation of survey responses with demographic, clinical, and complication data.

Main Results:

• All 50 surveyed caregivers reported satisfaction with the neurosurgical care received.
• 100% of caregivers would refer others to the program, and 94% would opt for the surgery again.
• 20% of caregivers recalled complications, with only 10% resulting in hospital readmission.

Conclusions:

• Caregivers expressed overwhelming satisfaction with neurosurgical care for PMDs.
• A high likelihood of recommendation and repeat surgery indicates program success.
• Discrepancies in complication perception suggest a need for improved pre-operative counseling on adverse effects.