Factors That Influence the Choice to Undergo Surgery for Shoulder and Elbow Conditions

Abstract

Background Knowledge of the factors that influence the willingness of patients considering elective orthopaedic surgery is essential for patient-centered care. To date, however, these factors remain undefined in the orthopaedic population with shoulder and elbow disorders. Questions/purposes In a cohort of patients seeking surgical consultation for shoulder or elbow conditions, we sought to identify factors that influenced the willingness and decision to undergo surgery. Methods In this prospective study, 384 patients completed a questionnaire collecting socioeconomic and health status data before consultation from June 2009 to December 2010. An additional 120 patients who were offered surgery after consultation completed a second questionnaire on their perceptions and concerns regarding surgery. Logistic regression analyses were used to identify factors influencing the willingness and decision to undergo surgery.

Correlation between Results of Preoperative Impingement Test and Clinical Outcomes after Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair

“…20,21) Many patients have paid attention to pain itself, and pain is thought to be the main cause of patients' decision for undergoing surgery. 21) If the amount of pain reduction can be predicted preoperatively, it could be helpful when discussing the outcome of surgery with patients. However, it is difficult to predict how much pain will be reduced after surgical repair in each patient.…”

Identifying the timing and duration of collecting patient priorities in an orthopedic clinic

“…Specifically for orthopedic care, elective surgery is a viable treatment option for many conditions treated by orthopedic surgeons (Modi, Veillette, Gandhi, Perruccio, & Rampersaud, ). The decision to undergo surgery can be overwhelming for patients, and understanding the patient‐specific factors that influence this decision is critical for shared decision making in PCC (Modi et al, ).…”

“…Specifically for orthopedic care, elective surgery is a viable treatment option for many conditions treated by orthopedic surgeons (Modi, Veillette, Gandhi, Perruccio, & Rampersaud, ). The decision to undergo surgery can be overwhelming for patients, and understanding the patient‐specific factors that influence this decision is critical for shared decision making in PCC (Modi et al, ). In a study investigating the choice to undergo surgery for shoulder and elbow conditions, there were a number of factors identified that influenced this choice: income, number of people living in household, perceived level of likelihood of surgical success, English fluency, willingness to consider surgery as a possible treatment option before consultation, and attitudes toward surgery being an inconvenience to daily life (Modi et al, ).…”

“…The decision to undergo surgery can be overwhelming for patients, and understanding the patient‐specific factors that influence this decision is critical for shared decision making in PCC (Modi et al, ). In a study investigating the choice to undergo surgery for shoulder and elbow conditions, there were a number of factors identified that influenced this choice: income, number of people living in household, perceived level of likelihood of surgical success, English fluency, willingness to consider surgery as a possible treatment option before consultation, and attitudes toward surgery being an inconvenience to daily life (Modi et al, ). In a separate survey study, patients who were more willing to consider total joint arthroplasty (TJA) perceived TJA as an appropriate procedure, had a greater perceived arthritis severity, had fewer reported comorbidities, and were younger (Hawker, Wright, Badley, & Coyte, ).…”

“…In a separate survey study, patients who were more willing to consider total joint arthroplasty (TJA) perceived TJA as an appropriate procedure, had a greater perceived arthritis severity, had fewer reported comorbidities, and were younger (Hawker, Wright, Badley, & Coyte, ). Some patients may not be willing to consider surgery at all, and this specifically is important to consider when deciding how to proceed with a treatment plan that satisfies both the patient and provider (Modi et al, ). Considering these patient priorities (PPs) collectively is integral for the shared decision‐making process and for selecting a final and appropriate orthopedic treatment.…”