Shared doctor-patient orthopaedic treatment decisions improves outcome

Patients who are well-informed and decide with their surgeon what treatment is best for them tend to have better outcomes and higher satisfaction rates, says research presented at the Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.A team analysed data from over 550 people (average age 64 years old) with hip or knee osteoarthritis, a slipped or ruptured disc in the lower back, or lumbar spinal stenosis.

One-third of the participants had made informed patient-centered decisions. At the follow-up assessment these people had higher scores related quality of life outcomes, were more likely to be extremely satisfied with their pain management plan, very or extremely satisfied with their treatment, and had less regret with their treatment decision.

Dr Harry Rubash who is involved in the study comments:

“This study found that surgical patients, who are more informed and have a clear preference for surgery, have better outcomes. It highlights the need to focus further on decision making prior to elective surgeries and other treatments.”

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