Matching into competitive surgical residencies: predictors of success

Evidence-informed data may help students matching into competitive residency programs guide curricular activities, extracurricular activities, and residency career choices. We aimed to examine the characteristics of students applying to competitive surgical residencies and identify predictors of matching success. We identified the five lowest match rates for the surgical subspecialities listed in the 2020 National Resident Matching Program report to define a surgical residency as competitive. We analyzed a database from 115 United States medical schools regarding application data from 2017 to 2020. Multilevel logistic regression was used to determine predictors of matching. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.A total of 1,448 medical students submitted 25,549 applications. The five most competitive specialties included were plastic surgery (N = 172), otolaryngology (N = 342), neurological surgery (N = 163), vascular surgery (N = 52), orthopedic surgery (N = 679), and thoracic surgery (N = 40). We found that medical students with a geographical connection (adjusted OR, 1.65 [95% CI, 1.41 to 1.93]), and students who did an away rotation at the applied program (adjusted OR, 3.22 [95% CI, 2.75 to 3.78]) had statistically significantly increased odds of matching into a competitive surgical specialty. Furthermore, we found that students with a United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step 1 score below 230 and Step 2 Clinical Knowledge (CK) score below 240 had increased odds of matching if they completed an away rotation at the applied program. Completing an away rotation and geographical connection to the institution may contribute more than academic criteria for selection into a competitive surgical residency after an interview. This finding may be due to less variation in academic criteria among this pool of high-performing medical students. Students with limited resources who apply to a competitive surgical specialty may be at a disadvantage given the financial burden of an away rotation.

An Assessment of Presentation Slide Quality at a National Hand Surgery Meeting

BACKGROUND

Effective information transfer relies on the proper use of educational tools. Evaluating the quality of presentations permits us to improve educational materials in plastic surgery. Our specific aims were to assess the quality of presentations at a national hand surgery meeting using a checklist of presentation standards from the literature and to identify areas of improvement.

METHODS

Our sample included presentations from the Clinical Papers Sessions at the 2020 American Society for Surgery of the Hand (ASSH) Annual Meeting. A modified checklist based on the literature was used to assess the presentations. Two members of the research team extracted data from the included presentations and disagreements were reviewed collaboratively.

RESULTS

A total of 96 presentations were included in this sample. The mean number of deficiencies per slide set was approximately nine. Misused graphics, ambiguous content (undefined abbreviations, undefined symbols, etc.), and overdetermined slides were the most common deficiencies identified in our sample. One-way ANOVA analysis of presenter role found a significant difference in the mean number of deficiencies (F (2, 93) = 7.36, p = 0.001) among different types of presenters with surgeon presenters exhibiting more deficiencies than students and other healthcare professionals.

CONCLUSION

The use of a checklist to evaluate a presentation helps in cultivating more effective presentations in national meetings. A collaborative peer-review process incorporating feedback from multiple trainees, audience members, and colleagues facilitates effective information transfer through presentations.

Regional Implicit Racial Bias and Rates of Breast Reconstruction, Complications, and Cost Among US Patients With Breast Cancer

Importance

Racial disparities influencing breast reconstruction have been well-researched; however, the role of implicit racial bias remains unknown. An analysis of the disparities in care for patients with breast cancer may serve as a policy target to increase the access and quality of care for underserved populations.

Objective

To identify whether variations in implicit racial bias by region are associated with the differences in rates of immediate breast reconstruction, complications, and cost for White patients and patients from minoritized racial and ethnic groups.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cohort study used data from the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) from 2009 to 2019. Adult female patients with a diagnosis of or genetic predisposition for breast cancer receiving immediate breast reconstruction at the time of mastectomy were included. Patients receiving both autologous free flap and implant-based reconstruction were included in this analysis. US Census Bureau data were extracted to compare rates of reconstruction proportionately. The Implicit Association Test (IAT) was used to classify whether implicit bias was associated with the primary outcome variables. Data were analyzed from April to November 2022.

Exposure

IAT score by US Census Bureau geographic region.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Variables of interest included demographic data, rate of reconstruction, complications (reconstruction-specific and systemic), inpatient cost, and IAT score by region. Spearman correlation was used to determine associations between implicit racial bias and the reconstruction utilization rate for White patients and patients from minoritized racial and ethnic groups. Two-sample t tests were used to analyze differences in utilization, complications, and cost between the 2 groups.

Results

A total of 52 115 patients were included in our sample: 38 487 were identified as White (mean [SD] age, 52.0 [0.7] years) and 13 628 were identified as minoritized race and ethnicity (American Indian, Asian, Black, and Hispanic patients and patients with another race or ethnicity; mean [SD] age, 49.7 [10.5] years). Implicit bias was not associated with disparities in breast reconstruction rates, complications, or cost. Nonetheless, the White-to-minoritized race and ethnicity utilization ratio differed among the regions studied. Specifically, the reconstruction ratio for White patients to patients with minoritized race and ethnicity was highest for the East South Central Division, which includes Alabama, Kentucky, Mississippi, and Tennessee (2.17), and lowest for the West South Central Division, which includes Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Texas (0.75).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cohort study of patients with breast cancer, regional variation of implicit bias was not associated with differences in breast reconstruction utilization, complications, or cost. Regional disparities in utilization among racial and ethnic groups suggest that collaboration from individual institutions and national organizations is needed to develop robust data collection systems. Such systems could provide surgeons with a comparative view of their care. Additionally, collaboration with high-volume breast centers may help patients in low-resource settings receive the desired reconstruction for their breast cancer care, helping improve the utilization rate and quality of care.

Timing and Duration of Facial Nerve Dysfunction After Mandibular Distraction Osteogenesis for Robin Sequence

Objective

Collect data from craniofacial surgeons to analyze mandibular distraction osteogenesis (MDO) protocols, and facial nerve dysfunction (FND) to characterize this common, but poorly documented complication after MDO in infants with Robin Sequence (RS).

Design, Setting, and Participants

A 16-question anonymous survey designed through REDCap was digitally distributed to members of the American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association and International Society of Craniofacial Surgery (ISCFS).

Main Outcome Measure(s)

Demographic information, MDO perioperative variables, surgeon experience with FND after MDO for patients with RS, and the timing and duration of FND were analyzed.

Results

Eighty-four responses were collected, with 80 included for analysis. Almost two-thirds of respondent surgeons reported FND as a complication of MDO in patients with RS (51, 63.8%); 58.8% (n   =   47) transient FND and 5% (n   =   4) with permanent facial nerve palsy only. Both transient and permanent FND was documented by 13 (16.3%) respondents. Among respondents, FND was observed immediately following initial device placement/osteotomies in 45.1%, during distraction in 45.1%, during consolidation in 19.6%, and following device removal in 43.1%. Twenty-five of these respondent surgeons reported resolution of FND between 1 and 3 months (53.2%, n   =   25).

Conclusions

FND after MDO in patients with RS was noted by most respondents in this survey study. While most surgeons noted temporary FND, one-fifth reported long-term dysfunction. FND was documented most commonly following device placement/osteotomies or during active distraction. Further research should seek to establish risk factors associated with FND and identify surgical and perioperative prevention strategies

A Qualitative Study of Patient Protection against Postoperative Opioid Addiction: A Thematic Analysis of Self-Agency

BACKGROUND

Opioids are commonly used following outpatient surgery. However, we understand little about patients' perspectives and how patients decide on postoperative opioid use. This study seeks to investigate aspects of patients' thought processes that most impact their decisions.

METHODS

The authors conducted semistructured interviews with 30 adults undergoing minor elective hand surgery at one tertiary hospital. Narratives were content-coded to arrive at the authors' thematic analysis. The authors incorporated Bandura's concept of self-agency to interpret the data and develop a conceptual framework that best explained the implicit theory within participants' responses.

RESULTS

The authors found six themes under two domains of self-agency. Participants actively sought out protective mechanisms supporting their decision on opioid use, but sometimes did so unconsciously. They would avoid opioids postoperatively because they were "tough" and wanted to evade the risk of addiction as "good citizens." They conveyed a nuanced safety against addiction because they were "not the kind" to become addicted and because they trusted the surgeons' prescribing. However, participants felt discouraged by the stigma associated with opioids. Both intentionally and unintentionally, participants integrated a strong sense of self in their decision-making processes.

CONCLUSIONS

A robust understanding of how patients choose to take opioids for postoperative pain control is imperative to develop patient-centered strategies to treat the opioid epidemic. Effective opioid-reduction policies should consider patients as active agents who negotiate various internal and external influences in their decision-making processes. Surgeons must incorporate patients' individual goals and perspectives regarding postoperative opioid use to minimize opioid-related harm after surgery.

Association of Interfacility Transfer and Patient and Hospital Characteristics With Thumb Replantation After Traumatic Amputation

IMPORTANCE

Given that 40% of hand function is achieved with the thumb, replantation of traumatic thumb injuries is associated with substantial quality-of-life benefits. However, fewer replantations are being performed annually in the US, which has been associated with less surgical expertise and increased risk of future replantation failures. Thus, understanding how interfacility transfers and hospital characteristics are associated with outcomes warrants further investigation.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the association of interfacility transfer, patient characteristics, and hospital factors with thumb replantation attempts and success.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

This cross-sectional study used data from the US National Trauma Data Bank from 2009 to 2016 for adult patients with isolated traumatic thumb amputation injury who underwent revision amputation or replantation. Data analysis was performed from May 4, 2020, to July 20, 2020.

EXPOSURES

Interfacility transfer, defined as transfer of a patient from 1 hospital to another to obtain care for traumatic thumb amputation.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Replantation attempt and replantation success, defined as having undergone a replantation without a subsequent revision amputation during the same hospitalization. Multilevel logistic regression models were used to assess the associations of interfacility transfer, patient characteristics, and hospital factors with replantation outcomes.

RESULTS

Of 3670 patients included in this analysis, 3307 (90.1%) were male and 2713 (73.9%) were White; the mean (SD) age was 45.8 (16.5) years. A total of 1881 patients (51.2%) were transferred to another hospital; most of these patients were male (1720 [91.4%]) and White (1420 [75.5%]). After controlling for patient and hospital characteristics, uninsured patients were less likely to have thumb replantation attempted (odds ratio [OR], 0.61; 95% CI, 0.47-0.78) or a successful replantation (OR, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.49-0.84). Interfacility transfer was associated with increased odds of replantation attempt (OR, 1.34; 95% CI, 1.13-1.59), with 13% of the variation at the hospital level. Interfacility transfer was also associated with increased replantation success (OR, 1.23; 95% CI, 1.03-1.47), with 14% of variation at the hospital level.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

In this cross-sectional study, interfacility transfer and particularly hospital-level variation were associated with increased thumb replantation attempts and successes. These findings suggest a need for creating policies that incentivize hospitals with replantation expertise to provide treatment for traumatic thumb amputations, including promotion of centralization of replantation care.

Pediatric Ectopic Nail Formation following Fingertip Trauma: A Case Report and Literature Review

Post-traumatic ectopic nail is an uncommon entity that is occasionally observed after trauma to the fingertip and nail, resulting in aesthetic and functional morbidity. We report a case of post-traumatic ectopic nail in a 3-year-old girl following trauma to her index finger and subsequent surgical intervention to remove an inclusion cyst. The unusual clinical sequence is presented to highlight the etiology and treatment of this rare lesion.

Postoperative follow-up time and justification in prospective hand surgery research: a systematic review

We systematically reviewed prospective studies for five hand procedures to analyse postoperative follow-up time, clinical or radiographic plateau, and whether the authors provide justification for times used. Demographic data, outcomes and mean follow-up were analysed. A total of 188 articles met our inclusion criteria. The mean postoperative follow-up time among these studies were carpal tunnel release, 21 months (range 1.5-111); cubital tunnel release, 27 months (2.5-46); open reduction and internal fixation for the distal radius fracture, 24 months (3-120); thumb carpometacarpal joint arthroplasty, 64 months (8.5-228); and flexor tendon repair, 25 months (3-59). Authors provided justification for follow-up intervals in 10% of these reports. We conclude that most prospective clinical studies in hand surgery do not properly justify follow-up length. Clinically unnecessary follow-up is costly without much benefit. In prospective research, we believe justified postoperative follow-up is essential, based on expected time to detect clinical plateau, capture complications and determine the need for secondary surgery.Level of evidence: III.

Comparison of Safety and Insurance Payments for Minor Hand Procedures Across Operative Settings

IMPORTANCE

Surgical procedures can be performed in different settings, but the association between the operative setting and patient safety and cost to the patient and payer is unknown.

OBJECTIVE

To examine differences in complications, total payments, and out-of-pocket (OOP) spending for minor hand surgical procedures performed in office, ambulatory surgery center (ASC), and hospital outpatient department (HOPD) operative settings.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

A retrospective, population-based cohort study was conducted using deidentified claims data from private employer-sponsored health insurance from January 1, 2009, to December 31, 2017. Patients aged 18 years or older undergoing carpal tunnel release, trigger finger release, excision of wrist ganglion, and excision of small hand masses (N = 468 365) were included.

EXPOSURES

Operative setting, defined as procedures performed in the clinic setting, ASC, and HOPD.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Complications during the 90-day postoperative period, total payments (total facility and payer reimbursement), and OOP spending.

RESULTS

Of the 468 365 patients, 296 378 women (63.3%) and 171 987 men (36.7%) underwent minor hand surgical procedures from 2009 to 2017, with 284 889 procedures (60.8%) performed in HOPDs, 158 659 procedures (33.9%) performed in ASCs, and 24 817 procedures (5.3%) performed in the office setting. Ninety-day complications occurred in 3.4% of procedures performed in HOPDs, 3.3% in ASCs, and 2.9% in office settings (P < .001). After controlling for patient characteristics, procedures performed outside of the office had higher odds of complications (HOPDs: odds ratio [OR], 1.32; 95% CI, 1.22-1.43; ASCs: OR, 1.24; 95% CI, 1.14-1.34). Compared with the office setting, procedures performed in HOPDs incurred an extra $1216 in total payments (95% CI, $1184-$1248) and $115 in OOP expenses (95% CI, $109-$121). Procedures performed in ASCs cost an additional $709 (95% CI, $676-$741) and $140 in OOP expenses (95% CI, $134-$146). Transitioning ASC and HOPD procedures to the office setting could have saved an estimated $6 million annually in OOP expenses during the study period.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

The findings of this study suggest that minor hand surgery performed in the office setting is safe and less costly compared with ambulatory and hospital-based operations. Shifting minor surgical procedures to the office setting may lead to substantial cost savings for payers and patients without compromising care quality.

National Prevalence of Complications and Cost of Small Joint Arthroplasty for Hand Osteoarthritis and Post-Traumatic Arthritis

PURPOSE

Osteoarthritis (OA) of the hand is commonly treated using implant arthroplasty. Despite the increasing prevalence of hand OA, population-based evidence regarding the complication profile and associated cost for patients undergoing proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint and metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint arthroplasty are lacking. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the complication profiles and variation in cost of care for patients undergoing PIP and MCP joint arthroplasty.

METHODS

We analyzed insurance claims from 2009 to 2016 using the Truven MarketScan Databases for adult patients undergoing a PIP and MCP joint arthroplasty following OA or post-traumatic arthritis diagnosis. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to investigate the association of patient-level factors and complications at 2 years after surgery. Cumulative direct cost, defined as the cost of the index surgery and 2-year postoperative episode, and patient-level characteristics were examined.

RESULTS

We analyzed a total of 2,859 patients who underwent MCP joint arthroplasty (36%) or PIP joint arthroplasty (64%). On average, these procedures have a 35% complication rate. However, patients undergoing PIP joint arthroplasty were more likely to suffer a prosthetic fracture than patients undergoing MCP joint arthroplasty (3.4% vs 1.5%, respectively). Each complication resulted in an additional cost of $1,076.

CONCLUSIONS

This nationwide analysis provides a population estimate of the complication profile and associated costs of MCP and PIP joint arthroplasty for hand OA and post-traumatic arthritis. Minimizing postoperative complications after MCP and PIP joint arthroplasty is one avenue to decrease health care costs.

TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Prognostic II.

Establishment of a National Hand Surgery Data Registry: An Avenue for Quality Improvement

Considerable variation exists in the practice of hand surgery that may lead to wasteful spending and less than optimal quality of care. Hand surgeons can benefit from a centralized system that tracks process and outcome measures, delivers national benchmarking, and encourages the sharing of knowledge. A national registry can fulfill these needs for hand surgeons and incorporate quality improvement into their daily routine. Leaders in hand surgery should convene to appraise the organization of a national registry for their field and reach consensus on how the registry can be designed and funded.

Translating Hand Surgery Evidence to Policy and Practice

Hand surgery researchers should focus on developing high-quality evidence to support the development of health policies affecting surgical care. Policy-makers and leaders of national hand societies can help reduce the variation of care for patients receiving hand surgery by incorporating evidence into guidelines and policies. Comprehensive guidelines for perioperative care help encourage the translation of evidence into practice. Moreover, the identification of institutional-level barriers and facilitators of integration ensures the successful implementation of hand surgery-specific programs. The development of robust metrics to evaluate the effect of policy on practice helps examine the feasibility of clinical guidelines.

Quality Measures in Postmastectomy Breast Reconstruction: Identifying Metrics to Improve Care

BACKGROUND

Specific measures tailored to the properties of individual procedures will ensure the appropriate evaluation of quality. Because postmastectomy breast reconstruction (PMBR) is becoming increasingly common, a review of the literature is timely to identify potential breast reconstruction-specific measures that can be applied by institutions and national healthcare organizations to improve quality.

METHODS

We searched PubMed and Embase for studies examining the quality of care for patients undergoing PMBR. Data extracted from the articles include basic study characteristics, the number of quality metrics, type of quality metric (defined by Donabedian model), and the domain of quality (defined by the National Academy of Medicine).

RESULTS

A total of 2,158 articles were identified in the initial search, and 440 studies were included for data extraction. The most common type of quality measure was outcome measures (91%), and the least common measure was structure measures (1%). The most common metrics were operative time (41%), hospital type (28%), and aspects of the patient-provider interactions (20%). Additionally, we found that timeliness and equity were least common among the 6 National Academy of Medicine domains.

CONCLUSIONS

We identified metrics utilized in the PMBR, some of which can be further investigated through high-level evidence studies and incorporated into policy. Because many factors influence surgical outcomes and breast reconstruction is driven by patient preferences, an inclusion of structure, process, and outcome metrics will help improve care for this patient population. Moreover, nonpunitive initiatives, specifically quality collaboratives, may provide an avenue to improve care quality without compromising patient safety.

A Systematic Review of Orthopedic Global Outreach Efforts Based on WHO-CHOICE Thresholds

Injury and musculoskeletal disorders are a major cause of death, disability, and decreased quality of life in developing countries. Thus, understanding the cost-effectiveness of orthopedic care in low- and middle-income countries may help to guide future outreach. A systematic review was conducted on the literature available on the cost-effectiveness of surgical trips that provided orthopedic-related care and extracted data regarding the cost-effectiveness of the orthopedic-related interventions. The cost-effectiveness of the interventions was determined using the WHO-CHOICE thresholds.

Economic Analyses of Surgical Trips to the Developing World: Current Concepts and Future Strategies

The surgical burden of disease disproportionately affects individuals living in the developing world. In response, the surgical community has increased efforts to provide care to patients in these countries during short-term surgical trips. This article (1) summarizes the current concepts used in the economic evaluation of surgical outreach and (2) presents a conceptual model to describe the ideal approach to performing an economic analysis of surgical interventions in developing countries. This model may ensure that policymakers are provided with information to decrease cost and improve the access to specialty surgery in the developing world.

Assessment of Surgeon Variation in Adherence to Evidence-Based Recommendations for Treatment of Trigger Finger

IMPORTANCE

Stenosing tenosynovitis (trigger finger) affects approximately 2% of the population. Given the prevalence of trigger finger and rising health care costs, adherence to the cost-effective and evidence-based treatment algorithm will permit better outcomes and allocation of resources.

OBJECTIVES

To examine treatment patterns for trigger finger and to determine surgeon-level and patient-level factors that influence adherence to evidence-based treatment.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

This retrospective population-based cohort study examined deidentified claims for treatment of trigger finger from a national insurance provider using the Clinformatics Data Mart database. Patients were included if they were 18 years or older and treated from January 1, 2002, through December 31, 2016 (excluding a washout period from July 1, 2008, until June 30, 2010), with a new diagnosis of single-digit trigger finger. Data were analyzed from December 21, 2018, through April 28, 2019.

EXPOSURES

Cost-effective and evidence-based research published in July 2009 for the treatment of trigger finger.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

After excluding the 1-year washout period on either side of July 1, 2009, adherence to the recommended treatment algorithm of 2 corticosteroid injections before surgical release of trigger finger was compared with practice before publication of research supporting this cost-effective and evidence-based approach.

RESULTS

In this analysis of 83 667 patients with trigger finger, 52 698 (63.0%) were women, and 20 045 (24.0%) had type 1 or 2 diabetes. Mean (SD) age was 61 (13) years. From 2002 to 2016, an overall increasing trend in adherence to the cost-effective and evidence-based approach to treatment was noted, with no significant increase in adherence in the postpublication era (67.5% vs 73.3%; P = .27). Substantial variation in adherence was observed at the surgeon level (intraclass correlation, 33%). Plastic surgeons had no change in adherence over time compared with orthopedic surgeons (odds ratio [OR], 1.00; 95% CI, 0.98-1.02; P = .90), whereas general surgeons had increased adherence (OR, 1.04; 95% CI, 1.02-1.06; P < .001). Higher-volume surgeons were also more adherent to these evidence-based recommendations (OR, 1.59; 95% CI, 1.53-1.65; P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

This study found substantial surgeon-level variation in adherence to evidence-based treatment of trigger finger. Surgeon specialty and volume were associated with differences in adherence. Efforts to understand surgeon barriers to implementation, regardless of physician specialty, appear to be necessary, and better implementation strategies may permit increased uptake of evidence-based treatment of trigger finger.

Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Humanitarian Hand Surgery Trips According to WHO-CHOICE Thresholds

PURPOSE

Hand surgery outreach programs to low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) provide much-needed surgical care to the underserved populations and education to local providers for improved care. The cost-effectiveness of these surgical trips has not been studied despite a long history of such efforts. This study aimed to examine the economic impact of hand surgery trips to LMICs using data from the Touching Hands Project and ReSurge International. We hypothesized that hand surgery outreach would be cost-effective in LMICs.

METHODS

We analyzed data on the cost of each trip and the surgical procedures performed. Using methods from the World Health Organization (WHO-Choosing Interventions That Are Cost-Effective [WHO-CHOICE]), we determined whether the procedures performed during the outreach trips would be cost-effective.

RESULTS

For the 14 hand surgery trips, 378 patients received surgical treatment. Trips varied in the country where interventions were provided, the number of patients served, the severity of the conditions, and the total cost. The cost per disability-adjusted life-year averted ranged from United States (US)$222 to $1,525, all of which were very cost-effective according to WHO-CHOICE thresholds. The cost-effectiveness of global hand surgery was comparable to that of other medical interventions such as multidrug-resistant tuberculosis treatment in similar regions. We also identified a lack of standardized record keeping for these surgical trips.

CONCLUSIONS

Hand surgeries performed in LMICs are cost-effective based on WHO-CHOICE criteria. However, a standardized record-keeping method is needed for future research and longitudinal comparison. Understanding the economic impact of hand surgery global outreach is important to the success and sustainability of these efforts, both to allocate resources effectively and to identify areas for improvement.

TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Economic/Decision Analysis III.

The golden year: How functional recovery sets the stage for tendon transfer surgery among patients with tetraplegia-a qualitative analysis

BACKGROUND

Tendon transfer surgery can effectively improve hand function for patients with tetraplegia but remains poorly utilized. Little is known regarding how patients' rehabilitation experiences influence their perception of function, identity, and coping to shape their reconstructive context.

METHODS

We performed a cross-sectional qualitative analysis of 19 participants with C4-C7 cervical spinal injuries: 9 patients had undergone reconstruction; 10 had not. Semistructured interviews were conducted using an interview guide focusing on rehabilitation experience, the relationship between function and identity, and how patient experience evolved. Interview transcripts were analyzed using grounded theory.

RESULTS

The study sample was predominantly male (79%), white (89%), and American Spinal Injury Association grades A-D (grade A: 42%; grade B: 32%; grade C: 16%; grade D: 10%). Recognizing rehabilitation's necessity, functional gains, and constructive patient-therapist relationships promoted engagement in therapy. Poor insurance coverage and financial constraints decreased rehabilitation access. Function affected identity through the degree to which it tied participants to a "patient" role. Early in recovery, patients' function, roles, and attitudes were fluid but solidified over time; how satisfied patients were with these final positions influenced how they coped.

CONCLUSION

The balance of patients' positive and negative coping has been found to influence patients' progression to surgery. This study describes how function and identity contribute to coping. Participants' function and identity evolved during a finite period we call "the golden year," before reaching a fixed point around which they built their lives. The norms patients establish during this time may affect receptiveness to surgery.

The Desired Role of Health Care Providers in Guiding Older Patients With Distal Radius Fractures: A Qualitative Analysis

PURPOSE

Understanding patient preferences for shared decision making is valuable for surgeons to advance patient-centered care, particularly in cases where there is not a clearly superior treatment option, like distal radius fracture. The existing evidence presents conflicting views on the desired role of the provider among older patients when making medical decisions. We aimed to investigate the perceived versus desired role of the provider in older adult patients with distal radius fracture.

METHODS

Thirty patients (≥62 years old) who had sustained a distal radius fracture within the past 5 years were recruited from the screening process of the Wrist and Radius Injury Surgical Trial at the principal investigator's site using purposive sampling. A trained member of the research team conducted interviews in a semistructured format with the help of an interview guide. Findings were derived following the principles of grounded theory.

RESULTS

Participants experienced varied levels of shared decision making with the hand surgeon. Subjects' perceived role of the surgeon did not always match their desired role. Most patients placed distinct trust in the recommendations of hand specialists regarding the technical aspects of the treatment. Nonetheless, respondents wanted to provide input when decisions pertained to outcomes or functionality. Many patients sought outside support from family or friends in the health care field, regardless of the outside source's medical specialty.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite conflicting evidence, most older adult patients desire a shared approach when making treatment decisions. Exchanging information and preferences on outcomes of each treatment option may be more important to the patient than detailing the specific technical aspects of their care.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

To provide high quality care, surgeons should evaluate the desired role of the patient to make treatment decisions at the start of their interaction. Surgeons must be aware of outside medical influences that guide their patients' decision-making processes.

Diagnostic Testing Requested Before Surgical Evaluation for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

PURPOSE

We sought to evaluate how often physicians who perform carpal tunnel release in the state of Michigan routinely request electrodiagnostic studies (EDS) or other diagnostic tests prior to an initial consultation and whether provider or practice characteristics had an influence on requirements for preconsultation diagnostic tests.

METHODS

Through online data sources, we identified 356 providers in 261 practices throughout the state of Michigan with profiles confirming hand surgery practice or surgical treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). We recorded American Society for Surgery of the Hand (ASSH) membership, teaching facility status, practice size, and primary specialty for each provider. Using a standardized telephone script, 219 providers were contacted by telephone to determine whether any diagnostic tests were needed before an appointment. Using multivariable logistic regression, we evaluated the relationship between the requirement for preconsultation testing and surgeon and practice characteristics.

RESULTS

Among the 134 providers who were confirmed to perform carpal tunnel release, 57% (n = 76) required and 9% (n = 12) recommended a diagnostic test prior to the initial consultation. Of the 88 physicians who required/recommended testing, 85% (n = 75) requested EDS, 22% (n = 19) requested magnetic resonance imaging, 13% (n = 11) requested a computed tomography scan, and 9% (n = 8) requested an x-ray. Patients were asked to have multiple studies by 19 (22%) of the 88 surgeons who requested/recommended testing. In the multivariable analysis, ASSH membership, size of practice, and teaching facility status did not have a significant relationship with the requirement for preconsultation testing.

CONCLUSIONS

Most surgeons who treat CTS in the state of Michigan routinely request EDS before evaluation, rather than reserving the test for cases in which the diagnosis is unclear.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

In the quest for high-value care, providers must consider whether the benefit of diagnostic tests for CTS likely outweighs the costs, inconvenience, and potential for treatment delay.