Our Summary

This study looked at how satisfied patients were after having hand surgery and then either a face-to-face follow-up appointment or a telephone follow-up call. The researchers asked 64 patients who had face-to-face follow-ups and 61 patients who had telephone follow-ups about their experiences, at least 6 months after their last meeting or call. They used a survey with a scale of 0-10 to measure satisfaction.

The study found that there were no significant differences in the types of patients who had either type of follow-up. However, patients were significantly more satisfied with telephone follow-ups in all areas covered by the survey. When asked if they would prefer a phone call or a face-to-face meeting if they had the same surgery again, the majority in both groups (71% of face-to-face and 86% of telephone) said they would prefer a telephone follow-up.

In simpler terms, the study suggests that patients tend to be happier with a phone call rather than an in-person appointment after having hand surgery.

FAQs

  1. What was the primary aim of the study on patient satisfaction after hand surgery?
  2. What were the findings of the study regarding patient preference for type of follow-up after hand surgery?
  3. How did the study measure the level of satisfaction among patients following their hand surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might give a patient about hand surgery is that they may have the option for a telephone follow-up instead of an in-person appointment. This can be just as effective in monitoring progress and addressing any concerns, and may be more convenient and preferred by the patient. It’s important to communicate with your doctor about your preferences and see if a telephone follow-up is an option for you.

Suitable For

This may be due to the convenience of a telephone follow-up, as well as the fact that patients may feel more comfortable discussing their concerns or asking questions over the phone. Additionally, some patients may prefer the efficiency of a phone call over having to schedule and travel to an in-person appointment.

Overall, hand surgery patients of all types can benefit from a telephone follow-up, as it can lead to higher levels of satisfaction and potentially improve the overall patient experience.

Timeline

Before hand surgery, a patient typically experiences symptoms such as pain, limited range of motion, and difficulty performing daily tasks with their hand. They may consult with a doctor, undergo diagnostic tests, and receive a recommendation for surgery. The patient will then schedule the surgery, prepare for it by following pre-operative instructions, and undergo the procedure.

After hand surgery, the patient will experience post-operative pain, swelling, and stiffness in the hand. They will follow post-operative instructions provided by their doctor, attend follow-up appointments, and undergo physical therapy to regain strength and mobility in the hand. The patient will gradually see improvements in their hand function and may eventually return to their normal activities.

In terms of follow-up care, the patient may have either a face-to-face appointment or a telephone follow-up call with their doctor. The study mentioned above found that patients tend to be more satisfied with telephone follow-ups compared to in-person appointments. The majority of patients in both groups expressed a preference for telephone follow-ups if they were to have the same surgery again.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions that a patient should ask their doctor about hand surgery include:

  1. What specific type of hand surgery do you recommend for my condition?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with the surgery?
  3. What is the expected recovery time and rehabilitation process after the surgery?
  4. Will I need physical therapy or follow-up appointments after the surgery?
  5. What is the success rate of this type of surgery for patients with similar conditions?
  6. Are there any alternative treatments or procedures that I should consider before opting for surgery?
  7. What can I do to prepare for the surgery and optimize my chances of a successful outcome?
  8. How soon after the surgery can I expect to resume normal activities and work?
  9. How will the surgery impact my hand function and overall quality of life in the long term?
  10. What should I do if I experience any unexpected symptoms or complications after the surgery?

Reference

Authors: Parwaiz H, Trew C, Sheriff M, Langdon I. Journal: J Hand Surg Asian Pac Vol. 2022 Feb;27(1):105-109. doi: 10.1142/S2424835522500072. Epub 2022 Jan 15. PMID: 35037582