A new study published in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery examines the association between patient satisfaction and psychological distress after spine surgery.
There were 103 patients included in the study who underwent spine surgery between February 2011 and January 2013. There were 56 patients who had no distress, 23 patients who were at risk and 13 patients who were distressed depressive. There were 12 patients who were distressed somatic.
Here are five key notes from the study:
1. The patient satisfaction scores overall were:
• Normal group: 90.2
• At-risk: 94.7
• Distressed depressive: 87.5
• Distressed-somatic: 75.7
2. The standard deviations for patient satisfaction were higher in the at-risk and two distressed groups, with the highest standard deviation at 22.4 for the distressed-somatic group.
3. The average patient satisfaction scores with their provider were:
• Normal group: 94.2
• At-risk: 94.2
• Distressed depressive: 90.6
• Distressed-somatic: 74.9
4. The distressed patients had significantly lower overall patient satisfaction and satisfaction with their provider when compared with the patients who did not have distress. The difference suggests patient distress level has an impact on satisfaction scores despite the care provided.
5. The researchers concluded, "These results suggest that psychological factors may influence patients' perception of the medical care provided to them."