Patient Satisfaction Scores Are a Poor Metric of Orthopedic Care

Orthopedics. 2022 May-Jun;45(3):e127-e133. doi: 10.3928/01477447-20220217-06. Epub 2022 Feb 22.

Abstract

Patient satisfaction scores are a popular metric used to evaluate orthopedic care. There is little consistency with how satisfaction is described in the orthopedic literature. Online physician reviews are a growing trend that directly and indirectly affect a surgeon's reputation. There is little correlation of higher satisfaction with improved surgical outcomes, so rating surgical care may be misguided and possibly dangerous. Patient satisfaction is an important part of the patient-centered care model, so rating systems should directly reflect quality. More research is needed to determine the relationship between patient satisfaction and the delivery of quality care. [Orthopedics. 2022;45(3):e127-e133.].

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Orthopedic Procedures*
  • Orthopedics*
  • Patient Satisfaction
  • Physicians*