Understanding and Improving Patient Satisfaction in Orthopaedic Surgical Procedures: A Review

Orthopaedic surgeons and their hospitals are being evaluated and reimbursed according to their ability to provide patient satisfaction. It behooves physicians to learn how patient satisfaction is evaluated, how patient satisfaction may be improved, and how improvements in patient satisfaction may positively influence patient outcomes both subjectively and objectively. The purpose of this review is to illuminate how evaluation works, how patient factors may affect or correlate with increased satisfaction, and how physicians can improve actions to enhance patient satisfaction. Notably, studies have found that improved care coordination, nursing follow-up, provider listening skills, providing realistic yet positive expectations, and sitting down with patients during their clinic visit can increase patient satisfaction. An improved understanding of patient satisfaction will help orthopaedic surgeons work with government agencies and hospital administrations to make sure that patients receive the best care possible.