Evaluating a Collaborative Care Model for Inguinal Surgery in Pediatric Urology

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Urology
• Surgical Practice Models
• Patient Satisfaction

Background:

• Traditional pediatric urology models often emphasize surgeon continuity.
• A novel model was implemented prioritizing scheduling flexibility over surgeon continuity.
• This study evaluates caregiver satisfaction within this flexible model.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess caregiver satisfaction in a pediatric urology practice emphasizing scheduling flexibility.
• To determine if prioritizing access and convenience impacts patient satisfaction compared to surgeon continuity.
• To identify caregiver priorities regarding surgeon choice and scheduling.

Main Methods:

• Anonymous surveys were administered to caregivers of boys aged 6 months to 12 years undergoing common urological procedures.
• Caregiver satisfaction and priorities were compared between patients who saw the same surgeon versus a different surgeon.
• Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics and Mann-Whitney U tests.

Main Results:

• High satisfaction was reported for both clinic (4.90/5) and surgical experiences (4.88/5).
• Satisfaction levels did not significantly differ between patients who saw the same or a different surgeon.
• Caregivers opting for a different surgeon prioritized scheduling flexibility over surgeon continuity (p<0.001).

Conclusions:

• Collaborative pediatric urology models offering scheduling flexibility can enhance access without negatively impacting caregiver satisfaction.
• Scheduling flexibility is a critical factor for caregivers, validating this practice model.
• This approach offers a framework for other practices seeking to improve patient access and experience.