Patient satisfaction with an orthopaedic pre-operative assessment clinic

SummaryThis study explores patient satisfaction with an orthopaedic pre-operative assessment clinic. A quantitative exploratory approach was adopted using a pre-validated questionnaire. The introduction of pre-operative assessment clinics (POAC) has been recommended as a quality initiative to reduce surgical cancellations and enhance the patient journey to surgery. Yet patient satisfaction with this service has not yet been evaluated within an Irish context. A sample of 91 patients who attended the POAC were invited to participate in the study and a response rate of 88% was achieved. A modified version of the Leeds Satisfaction Questionnaire was administered to patients no sooner than four days post surgery. The findings suggest that in general patients were satisfied with the care provided in the POAC, but areas for improvement were identified in the matters of providing individualised care and information to patients. Recommendations for future research include further exploration into the information needs of patients undergoing joint replacement surgery and an evaluation of the importance of individualised care from the patients’ perspective.