Patients’ Preferences on Information and Involvement in Decision Making for Gastrointestinal Surgery

Understanding patients' perspectives when unprepared for the emergence of a parastomal bulge-a qualitative study

AIM

The aim was to investigate patients' experiences of being prepared for the development of a parastomal bulge in relation to a stoma.

METHODS

The paper draws on a qualitative interview study conducted with 20 Danish patients participating in five focus groups. Analysis was performed using a phenomenological-hermeneutic approach.

RESULTS

We identified three themes. The first theme is 'The unforeseen bulge gives rise to increasing concern and a search for an explanation'. Patients searched for explanations in their own life and suspected that their behaviour or previous illness induced the bulge. The second theme is 'Missing or confusing information leads to counterproductive behaviour'. Patients lacked information on the prevention and treatment of parastomal bulging which led to disappointment with healthcare professionals. The third theme is 'Weighing the pros and cons of life with the bulge against the gamble of surgical repair'. Some patients came to terms with their situation, but for others a deadlocked situation arose when surgical repair was not an option.

CONCLUSION

Healthcare communication directly impacts on patients' experiences and outcomes. When unprepared for the emergence of a parastomal bulge, patients' emotional and psychological well-being are affected and likewise patients' possibility of using their own health beliefs as a preventive strategy. To preserve patient autonomy, satisfaction and well-being, surgeons and stoma nurses should provide patients with tailored information bearing in mind the current lack of clear evidence on the prevention and treatment of parastomal bulging.

Surgical Informed Consent: A Scoping Review of Physician-facing Decision Support Tools

Objectives

Physician-facing decision support tools facilitate shared decision-making (SDM) during informed consent, but it is unclear whether they are comprehensive in the domains they measure. In this scoping review, we aimed to (1) identify the physician-facing tools used during SDM; (2) assess the patient-centered domains measured by these tools; (3) determine whether tools are available for older adults and for use in various settings (elective vs. emergent); and (4) characterize domains future tools should measure.

Methods

Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses extension for Scoping Reviews, Embase, Medline, and Web of Science were queried for articles published between January 2000 and September 2022. Articles meeting inclusion criteria underwent title and abstract review. Eligible studies underwent data abstraction by two reviewers.

Results

Of 4365 articles identified, 160 were eligible. Tools to aid in surgical SDM focus on elective procedures (79%) and the outpatient setting (71%). Few tools are designed for older adults (5%) or for nonelective procedures (9%). Risk calculators were most common, followed by risk indices, prognostic nomograms, and communication tools. Of the domains measured, prognosis was more commonly measured (85%), followed by alternatives (28%), patient goals (36%), and expectations (46%). Most tools represented only one domain (prognosis, 33.1%) and only 6.7% represented all four domains.

Conclusions and Implications

Tools to aid in the surgical SDM process measure short-term prognosis more often than patient-centered domains such as long-term prognosis, patient goals, and expectations. Further research should focus on communication tools, the needs of older patients, and use in diverse settings.

Patients' and healthcare professionals' perceived facilitators and barriers for shared decision-making for frail and elderly patients in perioperative care: a scoping review

BACKGROUND

Shared decision-making (SDM) in perioperative care, is an organizational approach to instituting sharing of information and decision-making around surgery. It aims at enabling patient autonomy and patient-centered care. Frail and elderly patients suffering from multiple health conditions and increased surgical vulnerability might particularly benefit from SDM. However, little is known about the facilitators and barriers to implementing SDM in perioperative care for the specific needs of frail and elderly patients. Our objective is twofold: First, we aim at collecting, analyzing, categorizing, and communicating facilitators and barriers. Second, we aim at collecting and mapping conceptual approaches and methods employed in determining and analyzing these facilitators and barriers.

METHODS

The search strategy focused on peer-reviewed studies. We employed a taxonomy which is based on the SPIDER framework and added the items general article information, stakeholder, barriers/facilitators, category, subcategory, and setting/contextual information. This taxonomy is based on preceding reviews. The scoping review is reported under the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses extension for Scoping Reviews. Based on the databases MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, and Web of Science, we screened 984 articles, identified, and reviewed 13 original studies.

RESULTS

Within this review, two primary facilitators concerning patients' willingness to participate in SDM emerged: Patients want to be informed on their medical condition and procedures. Patients prefer sharing decisions with healthcare professionals, compared to decision-making solely by patients or decision-making solely by healthcare professionals. Communication issues and asymmetric power relationships between patients and clinical healthcare professionals are barriers to SDM. Regarding the methodological approaches, the evaluation of the conceptual approaches demonstrates that the selected articles lack employing a distinct theoretical framework. Second, the selected studies mainly used surveys and interviews, observational studies, like ethnographic or video-based studies are absent.

CONCLUSION

Diverging findings perceived by patients or clinical healthcare professionals were identified. These imply that SDM research related to elderly and frail patients should become more encompassing by employing research that incorporates theory-based qualitative analysis, and observational studies of SDM consultations for understanding practices by patients and clinical healthcare professionals. Observational studies are particularly relevant as these were not conducted.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

https://osf.io/8fjnb/.

Long-term satisfaction of patients after laparoscopic and robotic-assisted hysterectomy

Introduction

Da-Vinci-Xi is the most recent device used in gynecologic robotic surgery. The aim of the present study was to compare the long-term satisfaction of patients who had undergone conventional laparoscopic hysterectomy or robotic assisted laparoscopic hysterectomy using the Da-Vinci-Xi surgical system.

Methods

All hysterectomies performed at the University Hospital of Luebeck from 2018 to 2019 were reviewed. Postoperative outcomes were compared between women who had undergone total hysterectomy with da Vinci Xi (n = 42) or conventional laparoscopy (n = 97). Postoperative outcomes included pain, elimination of complaints after surgery, bladder function, sexual function, satisfaction with the cosmetic outcome, positive experiences after robotic surgery, and satisfaction with the surgeon’s preoperative explanation. Obese patients were evaluated separately in a subgroup analysis.

Results

Both groups had similar baseline characteristics and complication rates. Preoperative complaints subsided after surgery in a little more than 90% of patients. No significant differences were noted between groups in this regard (p = 0.262), or with reference to postoperative pain after one week (p = 0.866) and one month (p = 0.580), stress incontinence (p = 0.343), sexual function (p = 0.766) and the cosmetic outcome of the abdominal incisions (p = 0.273). The majority of patients who had undergone robotic surgery (96.8%) would be willing to undergo the procedure again if necessary. The subgroup analysis of obese patients revealed no significant differences.

Conclusion

The Da-Vinci-Xi device did not improve the long-term surgical satisfaction of normal-weight or obese patients who underwent hysterectomy compared with patients who underwent conventional laparoscopy performed by experienced laparoscopic surgeons.

A Practical Guideline for the Implementation of Shared Decision-making in Complex Ventral Incisional Hernia Repair

BACKGROUND

Although obtaining preoperative procedural consent is required to meet legal and ethical obligations, consent is often relegated to a unidirectional conversation between surgeons and patients. In contrast, shared decision-making (SDM) is a collaborative dialog that elicits patient preferences. Despite emerging interest in SDM, there is a paucity of literature on its application to ventral incisional hernia repair (VIHR). The various surgical techniques and mesh types available, the potential impact on functional outcomes and quality of life, the largely elective nature of the operation, and the significant risk of perioperative patient complications render VIHR an ideal field for SDM implementation.

METHODS

The authors reviewed the current literature and drew on their own practice experience to describe evidence-based practical guidelines for implementing the SDM into VIHR care.

RESULTS

We summarized the evidence basis for SDM in surgery and discussed how this model can be applied to VIHR given the multiple, complex factors that influence surgical decision-making. We outlined an example of using an SDM framework, "SHARE," with a patient with a large, recurrent ventral hernia.

CONCLUSIONS

SDM has the potential to improve patient-centered and preference-concordant care among individuals being considered for VIHR to ensure that treatment interventions meet a patient's goals, rather than solely treating the underlying disease process.

Shared decision making in surgery: a scoping review of patient and surgeon preferences

Background

Many suggest that shared decision-making (SDM) is the most effective approach to clinical counseling. It is unclear if this applies to surgical decision-making-especially regarding urgent, highly-morbid operations. In this scoping review, we identify articles that address patient and surgeon preferences toward SDM in surgery.

Methods

We used the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) to develop our protocol. Medline, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases were searched from inception through 11.2017. Title/abstract review identified peer-reviewed, empirical articles that addressed patient/surgeon preferences toward SDM in surgery. Identified articles underwent full review by two independent investigators. We addressed the following questions: (1) What is known from existing empirical evidence about patients’ and/or surgeons’ surgical decision-making preferences? (2) Why might patients and/or surgeons prefer SDM? (3) Does acuity of intervention impact surgical decision-making preferences? Outcome measures included study methods, surgical specialty, diagnosis, study location/setting, type/number of subjects, acuity of intervention, surgeon/patient decision-making preferences, and factors associated with favoring SDM. Data was analyzed in Microsoft Excel.

Results

20,359 articles were identified with 4988 duplicates, yielding 15,371 articles for title/abstract review. 74 articles were included in final analysis. 68% of articles discussed oncologic decision-making. 46% of these focused on breast cancer. 92% of articles included patients, 22% included surgeons. 75% of articles found surgeons favored SDM, 25% demonstrated surgeons favored surgeon guidance. 54% of articles demonstrated patients favored SDM, 35% showed patients favored surgeon guidance, 11% showed patients preferred independent decision-making. The most common factors for patients favoring SDM included female gender, higher education, and younger age. For surgeons, the most common factors for favoring SDM included limited evidence for a given treatment plan, multiple treatment options, and impact on patient lifestyle. No articles evaluated decision-making preferences in an emergent setting.

Conclusions

There has been limited evaluation of patient and surgeon preferences toward SDM in surgical decision-making. Generally, patients and surgeons expressed preference toward SDM. None of the articles evaluated decision-making preferences in an emergent setting, so assessment of the impact of acuity on decision-making preferences is limited. Extension of research to complex, emergent clinical settings is needed.

Intelligent, Autonomous Machines in Surgery

Surgeons perform two primary tasks: operating and engaging patients and caregivers in shared decision-making. Human dexterity and decision-making are biologically limited. Intelligent, autonomous machines have the potential to augment or replace surgeons. Rather than regarding this possibility with denial, ire, or indifference, surgeons should understand and steer these technologies. Closer examination of surgical innovations and lessons learned from the automotive industry can inform this process. Innovations in minimally invasive surgery and surgical decision-making follow classic S-shaped curves with three phases: (1) introduction of a new technology, (2) achievement of a performance advantage relative to existing standards, and (3) arrival at a performance plateau, followed by replacement with an innovation featuring greater machine autonomy and less human influence. There is currently no level I evidence demonstrating improved patient outcomes using intelligent, autonomous machines for performing operations or surgical decision-making tasks. History suggests that if such evidence emerges and if the machines are cost effective, then they will augment or replace humans, initially for simple, common, rote tasks under close human supervision and later for complex tasks with minimal human supervision. This process poses ethical challenges in assigning liability for errors, matching decisions to patient values, and displacing human workers, but may allow surgeons to spend less time gathering and analyzing data and more time interacting with patients and tending to urgent, critical-and potentially more valuable-aspects of patient care. Surgeons should steer these technologies toward optimal patient care and net social benefit using the uniquely human traits of creativity, altruism, and moral deliberation.

The association between patients' preferred treatment after the use of a patient decision aid and their choice of eventual treatment

Objective

To investigate the association between patients' preferred treatment and eventual treatment. Second, to compare patients with surgical treatment to watchful waiting in order to identify predictive factors for surgery.

Methods

A single‐centre retrospective study was performed between December 2015 and August 2018. Patients (≥18 years) who used a patient decision aid (PDA) for gallstones or inguinal hernia were included. After their first surgical consultation, patients received access to an online PDA. The patients' preferred treatment after the PDA was compared with their choice of eventual treatment. Multivariable regression analyses were performed for predictive factors for surgery.

Results

In total, 567 patients with gallstones and 585 patients with an inguinal hernia were included. Of the patients with gallstones, 121 (21%) preferred watchful waiting, 367 (65%) preferred surgery, and 79 (14%) were not sure. The patients' preferred treatment was performed in 85.9%. Frequent pain attacks (OR 2.1, 95% CI 1.1‐3.9, P = .020) and preference for surgery (OR 4.4, 95% CI 1.9‐10.1, P = .001) independently predicted surgery. Of the patients with an inguinal hernia, 77 (13.2%) preferred watchful waiting, 452 (78.8%) preferred surgery, and 56 (9.6%) were not sure. The patients' preferred treatment was performed in 86.0%. The preference for surgery (OR 5.2, 95% CI 2.5‐10.6, P < .001) independently predicted surgery and worry about complications predicted avoidance of surgery (OR 0.5, 95% CI 0.2‐1.0, P = .037).

Conclusion

This study, reflecting current clinical care, shows that patients' preferred treatment after using a PDA matches their eventual treatment choice in 86% of patients with gallstones or an inguinal hernia. In these patients, symptoms and patients' preference for surgery independently predicts eventual choice of surgery.

Intraoperative nerve monitoring in thyroid surgery-shifting current paradigms

Over the past two decades, intraoperative neural monitoring (IONM) has matured into a powerful risk minimization tool. Meta-analyses of studies, most of which were limited by poor study designs and the sole use of intermittent nerve stimulation, failed to demonstrate superiority of IONM over anatomic recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) dissection in the absence of IONM. With the advent of continuous IONM (CIONM), intraoperative nerve electromyographic tracings, registered almost in real time during the operation, accurately predict postoperative vocal fold function when International Neural Monitoring Study Group quality standards are adhered to. CIONM aids in avoiding permanent traction-related nerve injury by urging surgeons to reverse harmful surgical maneuvers. CIONM also forms an integral part in the surgical concept of staged thyroidectomy. Delaying completion surgery on the other side until nerve function has recovered mitigates the risk of bilateral vocal fold palsy. CIONM has greatly furthered our understanding of functional RLN injury, enabling conception of effective risk minimization strategies tailored to the individual patient. The review summarizes the advances of continuous IONM technology that caused a quantum leap in risk minimization for thyroid surgery, shifting current paradigms.

The positive effects of explaining the underlying mechanisms (how it works) when promoting healthy behaviors

Health-care providers, governments, and countless organizations struggle, often unsuccessfully, to convince the public to adhere to healthier and safer lifestyles. Through three experiments, our research suggests communicating information on how-providing details of the processes by which healthy/safer behaviors actually work to bring about personal benefits-has a significant and positive impact on the persuasiveness of the message compared to communicating benefits alone. The downside of the addition of this how information is that these messages may be seen as more burdensome to digest. The authority of the messenger did not have an impact on this effect.

The Utility and Feasibility of Extending Beyond Traditional Patient Descriptions in Daily Practice

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS

Institutional and national programs have endorsed the use of validated instruments in daily practice, but their utility for frontline clinicians is unknown. Our first objective was thus to determine if routinely obtained patient descriptions accurately predict disease-specific validated instrument results. Our second objective was to assess the feasibility of deploying an electronic system to obtain and document patient-reported descriptions of health status.

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective assessment of consecutive eligible ambulatory care patients.

METHODS

For the first objective, patients presenting with the same chief complaint at consecutive visits provided concurrent routine symptom descriptions and validated instrument responses. To determine whether patients' routine descriptions predicted scores from disease-specific instruments, receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves, sensitivity/specificity, Spearman ρ correlation, and regression models were utilized. For the second objective, feasibility assessment focused on percent with successful response capture, time to questionnaire completion, and impact on physician time needed to obtain and document patient histories.

RESULTS

For the first objective, among patients with hearing loss, eustachian tube dysfunction, nasal obstruction, and chronic rhinosinusitis, the areas under the ROC curves were 0.38 to 0.83. Spearman ρ coefficients were 0.25 to 0.46. Sensitivity and specificity ranged from 15.9% to 87.8%, with correct classification in 42.3% to 55.2% of cases. For the second objective, there was a 91% completion rate. Completion times were 7:18 to 12:37 for new patients and 3:23 to 6:41 for established patients. Physician time savings were estimated at 11 minutes per patient.

CONCLUSIONS

Using validated instruments and electronic data collection systems in daily practice has practical and clinical implications. These topics warrant further study.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

2c Laryngoscope, 130:S1-S13, 2020.

Usability and feasibility of multimedia interventions for engaging patients in their care in the context of acute recovery: A narrative review

PURPOSE

The purpose of this narrative review was to examine the usability and feasibility of multimedia intervention as a platform to enable patient participation in the context of acute recovery and to discover what outcomes have been measured.

DATA SOURCES

A narrative review of primary research articles identified through a search of four electronic databases (MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE and PsycInfo) identified peer-reviewed research evidence published in English language with no limitation placed on time period or publication type. Two authors independently assessed articles for inclusion. From the 277 articles identified through the search, 10 papers reporting the outcomes of seven studies were included in this review.

REVIEW METHODS

Articles were independently assessed for quality and relevance by two authors. The most appropriate method for data synthesis for this review was a narrative synthesis.

RESULTS

From the narrative synthesis of study outcomes, two findings emerged as follows: (a) multimedia interventions are feasible and usable in the context of acute care, and (b) multimedia interventions can improve patients' perception of care-related knowledge. Identified gaps included a lack of evidence in relation to the effect of interventions on enhancing patients' ability to participate in their care and the impact on patients' health-related outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, there is some evidence of the feasibility and usability of multimedia interventions in acute care. That is, patients can use these types of platforms in this context and are satisfied with doing so. Multimedia platforms have a role in the delivery of information for patients during acute recovery; however, the effectiveness of these platforms to engage and enhance patients' capability to participate in their recovery and the impact on outcomes needs to be rigorously evaluated.

General surgical patients' experience of hospital discharge education: A qualitative study

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

To explore adult general surgical patients' perceptions of, and satisfaction with, discharge education provided by healthcare providers.

BACKGROUND

Discharge education is essential for general surgical patients as it equips them with the required knowledge and skills to engage in their care after discharge. Insufficient knowledge to self-manage or assess their symptoms can result in postdischarge complications, unplanned hospital readmission and overall dissatisfaction with the hospital experience.

DESIGN

A constructivist-interpretivist paradigm using qualitative interviews.

METHODS

Telephone interviews were conducted with 13 patients between August 2018 and November 2018 and analysed using inductive content analysis. COREQ guidelines were adopted for the conduct and reporting of the study.

RESULTS

Four themes were uncovered: (a) The quality of discharge information influences patients' postdischarge experience; (b) The negative impact of contextual influences on delivery of discharge education; (c) Patients actively participating in their surgical journey; (d) Patients' preferences with the delivery of discharge education.

CONCLUSION

Inadequate discharge education leads to patients' inability to self-manage their recovery process. Information sharing with patients fosters shared understanding towards goals and expectations.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

Understanding patients' view may inform the design of patient-centred discharge education interventions for patients to self-manage their recovery postdischarge.

Impact of continuous intraoperative vagus stimulation on intraoperative decision making in favor of or against bilateral surgery in benign goiter

The advent of continuous vagus stimulation (CVS), eliminating lag time between nerve preparation with potential trauma and stimulation, has transformed the intraoperative surgical strategy in thyroid surgery. Continuous intraoperative nerve monitoring empowers the surgeon to be optimally aware of traction-related injury to the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN). Electromyographic precursor lesions, called combined events, prompt surgeons to cease harmful surgical maneuvers and release the nerve before damage to the nerve is established. Complete RLN recovery, defined as restitution of the nerve amplitude to ≥50% of baseline, assures the surgeon that it is safe to pursue completion surgery of the contralateral side in one procedure. If this restitution is incomplete or absent (<50% of amplitude baseline) immediate vocal cord paralysis is likely and it is advisable to delay completion surgery until the nerve has fully recovered. This review summarizes the tremendous progress made in this dynamic field, delineating the extent to which CVS has changed the landscape: tailoring intraoperative decision making to determine the safest course of action for patients with benign goiter.

Evidence-Based Medicine in Otolaryngology, Part 8: Shared Decision Making—Impact, Incentives, and Instruments

In our previous installment, we introduced shared decision making (SDM) as a collaborative process in which patients, families, and clinicians develop a mutually optimized treatment plan when more than 1 reasonable treatment option exists. In this subsequent installment of our Evidence-Based Medicine in Otolaryngology Series, we expand on the topic of SDM, including the related current state of clinical decision making, the impact of SDM on health care utilization and patient satisfaction, the potential role of system and society changes, the experience with SDM as it relates to race and ethnicity, existing financial incentives, and the validated instruments that assess the extent to which SDM occurs.

Patients' preferences and existential perspective: what to consider and how should patient's expectations be guided?

With an ageing population, surgical procedures in older patients are becoming increasingly more common. This can pose clinical and ethical dilemmas, during which clinicians need to make complex decisions. In this paper we discuss the importance of assessing mental capacity to assess if the older patient can make his or her own decisions relating to surgery. We also discuss the importance of understanding ethical principles, in order that clinicians can better guide patient's decision-making. In addition, we look at ageism, frailty, and co-morbidities, and their influence on clinician's decisions regarding surgery in older patients. Further to this, we look at the influence of evidence-based medicine on treatment options, and the under representation of older people in clinical trials and the importance of this. Finally, we consider the importance of considered decisions regarding resuscitation, when considering surgical intervention in older patients. We conclude that patient-centred individualised care, considering patients expectations, wishes, and priorities is vital, whilst aiming to improve or maintain quality of life, and minimise risks when able.

Treatment decision-making in chronic diseases: What are the family members' roles, needs and attitudes? A systematic review

OBJECTIVE

This systematic review aims to examine the roles of family members (FMs) in treatment decision-making for adult patients without cognitive or psychiatric disorders affecting their ability to participate in decision-making.

METHODOLOGY

A comprehensive, systematic search of the Cochrane Library, PsycINFO, PubMed and ScienceDirect databases, with relevant keywords, was conducted. Two authors evaluated the eligibility of the studies independently, then cross-checked for accuracy. The quality of included studies were assessed using standardized criteria.

RESULTS

Out of the 12.137 studies identified, 40 were included. Results highlighted the different roles and influences FMs have in the decision-making process. Moreover, several factors ranging from personal to cultural and family-related factors influence their level of involvement. Regardless of the illness, some similarities in family influence exist (e.g., social support). However, the type of family involvement varies according to the illness, the treatment choice and the patients' culture.

CONCLUSION

FMs have an important role in the decision-making process. In fact, the final decision is often made by the patients after consulting their families. FMs can support both patients and medical teams, and thus facilitate the process.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

Physicians should include FMs in treatment decision-making when the patients and their FMs wish to be included.

Morbidity and Mortality Associated with Surgery of Traumatic C2 Fractures in Octogenarians

BACKGROUND: Management of axis fractures in the elderly remains controversial. As the US population increasingly lives past 80 years, published C2 fracture morbidity/mortality profiles in younger cohorts (55+) have become less applicable to octogenarians.

OBJECTIVE: To report associations between surgery and mortality, hospital length of stay and discharge disposition in octogenarians with traumatic C2 fractures.

METHODS: Retrospective cohort study of 3847 patients age ≥ 80 years representing 17 702 incidents nationwide, divided into surgery/nonsurgery cohorts, using the National Sample Program of the National Trauma Data Bank from 2003 to 2012. Inpatient complications, mortality, length of stay, and discharge disposition are characterized; multivariable regression was utilized to determine associations between surgery and outcomes.

Institutional Review Board (IRB): The National Sample Program dataset from the National Trauma Data Bank is fully deidentified and does not contain Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act identifiers; therefore, this study is exempt from IRB review at the University of California, San Francisco.

RESULTS: Incidence of surgery was 10.3%. Surgery was associated with increased pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, and decubitus ulcer risks (P &lt; .001). Inpatient mortality was 12.8% (nonsurgery—13.0%; surgery—10.3%; P = .120). Length of stay was 8.31 ± 9.32 days (nonsurgery 7.78 ± 9.21; surgery 12.86 ± 9.07; P &lt; .001) and showed an adjusted mean increase of 5.68 days with surgery (95% confidence interval [4.74-6.61]). Of patients surviving to discharge, 26% returned home (nonsurgery—26.8%; surgery—18.8%; P = .001); surgery patients were less likely to return home (odds ratio 0.59 [0.44-0.78]).

CONCLUSION: The present study confirms that surgery of traumatic C2 fractures in octogenarians does not significantly affect inpatient mortality and increases discharge to institutionalized care. Patients undergoing surgery are more likely to require longer hospitalization and suffer increased medical complications during their stay. Given the retrospective nature of this study, it is unclear whether these conclusions reflect differences in injury severity between surgery cohorts. This question may be considered in a future prospective study.

Control preferences in treatment decisions among older adults - Results of a large population-based study

OBJECTIVE

Older adults appear to be a specifically vulnerable group that could benefit considerably from the assessment of their decision-making preferences. The aim of this study was to estimate prevalence rates and to explore characteristics of control preferences in a population-based sample of older adults.

METHODS

Data was derived from the 8-year follow-up of the ESTHER study - a German epidemiological study in the elderly population. n=3124 participants ages 57 to 84 were visited at home by trained medical doctors for a comprehensive assessment regarding various aspects of their life. The German version of the Control Preferences Scale (CPS) was used to assess decision-making.

RESULTS

Most of the participants reported a preference for an active role in the decision-making process (46%, 95% CI [44.3; 47.9]), while 30.0% [28.4; 31.5] preferred a collaborative role, and 23.9% [22.4; 25.5] a passive role. Participants aged ≤65years preferred a more passive role in decision-making compared to persons aged <65years. Participants with clinically significant depression symptoms (CSD) preferred significantly more often a passive role compared to those without CSD. Similarly, multimorbid patients preferred a passive role compared to people with none or one chronic disease. Conversely, in groups with active or collaborative control preferences the morbidity index was lower compared to the group with passive control preferences.

CONCLUSION

Results indicate that physical and mental health in the elderly are associated with the preference role. It should, however, be investigated whether multimorbidity or mental diseases influence the treatment preference of older adults.

Participation of family members and quality of patient care - the perspective of adult surgical patients

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study is to describe the participation of family members in the care of Finnish adult surgical patients and the connection of the participation with the quality of patient care as perceived by surgical patients.

BACKGROUND

The family members of adult surgical patients are important. Earlier studies vary concerning the nature of participation, its meaning and the connection of participation with patient-centred quality of care. In this study, we aim to produce new knowledge about adult surgical patients whose family members have participated in their care.

DESIGN

This was a cross-sectional descriptive survey study.

METHODS

The data were collected among adult surgical patients (N = 481) before being discharged home from hospital with two instruments: the Good Nursing Care scale and the Received Knowledge of Hospital Patients.

RESULTS

Based on the results, most adult surgical patients report that family members participate in their care. Participation was connected with received knowledge and preconditions of care, which are components of the quality of patient care.

CONCLUSIONS

In future, testing of different solutions for improving the participation of surgical patients' family members in patient care should be implemented. Furthermore, the preconditions of family members' participation in care and the concept of participation should be analysed to emphasise the active role of family members.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

The results emphasised the importance of family members for the patients in surgical care. Family members' participation is connected with the quality of patient care.

What should be the patient's preference regarding the choice of hospital in the case of radical cystectomy? Evaluation of early complications after open radical cystectomy in a medium and high volume setting in one hospital

PURPOSE

This study compares early complications after cystectomy and urinary diversion (UD) stratified by the surgical focus and case load of two different department chairpersons in a single institution in two time periods. Creating clear data about complications that can affect the quality of life is an important tool for patients to decide whether and where to perform this extensive surgery.

HYPOTHESIS

A team of surgeons with a clear focus on pelvic surgery leads to lower complication rates in radical cystectomy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Radical cystectomy was performed in two separate time periods under the patronage of two different chairmen in the same university hospital. The patient data were analyzed retrospectively and the complications 30 days after surgery were assessed using the Clavien-Dindo classification.

RESULTS

Statistical analysis showed a significant difference in the severity of complications between the two time periods, A and B, in total (P<0.001). When placing patients into subgroups, significantly more complications in period A were also seen concerning sex (male, P<0.001; female, P=0.003), age (<70 years, P<0.001; >70 years, P≤50.001) tumor grade (low grade, P<0.001; high grade, P≤0.001), and UD (ileal conduit, P<0.001; neobladder, P<0.001). In a multivariable analysis, age (P=0.031) and type of UD (P=0.028) were determined as independent predictors for complications in period A. When joining the two periods together, the type of UD (P=0.0417), age (P=0.041), and the time periods (A/B) (P<0.001) show a significant association with the presence of complications.

CONCLUSION

This study compares for the first time surgical complications in two time periods with different case load and surgical focus in one department. Categorization shows that patients should prefer radical cystectomy in centers of excellence or a high-volume hospital in order to keep complications at the lowest possible level and thus have the highest benefit for oncologic outcome and quality of life.

Do Upper Extremity Trauma Patients Have Different Preferences for Shared Decision-making Than Patients With Nontraumatic Conditions?

BACKGROUND

Shared decision-making is a combination of expertise, available scientific evidence, and the preferences of the patient and surgeon. Some surgeons contend that patients are less capable of participating in decisions about traumatic conditions than nontraumatic conditions.

QUESTIONS/PURPOSES

(1) Do patients with nontraumatic conditions have different preferences for shared decision-making when compared with those who sustained acute trauma? (2) Do disability, symptoms of depression, and self-efficacy correlate with preference for shared decision-making?

METHODS

In this prospective, comparative trial, we evaluated a total of 133 patients presenting to the outpatient practices of two university-based hand surgeons with traumatic or nontraumatic hand and upper extremity illnesses or conditions. Each patient completed questionnaires measuring their preferred role in healthcare decision-making (Control Preferences Scale [CPS]), symptoms of depression (Patients' Health Questionnaire), and pain self-efficacy (confidence that one can achieve one's goals despite pain; measured using the Pain Self-efficacy Questionnaire). Patients also completed a short version of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire and an ordinal rating of pain intensity.

RESULTS

There was no difference in decision-making preferences between patients with traumatic (CPS: 3 ± 2) and nontraumatic conditions (CPS: 3 ± 1 mean difference = 0.2 [95% confidence interval, -0.4 to 0.7], p = 0.78) with most patients (95 versus 38) preferring shared decision-making. More educated patients preferred a more active role in decision-making (beta = -0.1, r = 0.08, p = 0.001); however, differences in levels of disability, pain and function, depression, and pain-related self-efficacy were not associated with differences in patients' preferences in terms of shared decision-making.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients who sustained trauma have on average the same preference for shared decision-making compared with patients who sustained no trauma. Now that we know the findings of this study, clinicians might be motivated to share their expertise about the treatment options, potential outcomes, benefits, and harms with the patient and to discuss their preference as well in a semiacute setting, resulting in a shared decision.

Prosthetic aortic valve selection: current patient experience, preferences and knowledge

Objective

Current clinical practice guidelines advocate shared decision-making (SDM) in prosthetic valve selection. This study assesses among adult patients accepted for aortic valve replacement (AVR): (1) experience with current clinical decision-making regarding prosthetic valve selection, (2) preferences for SDM and risk presentation and (3) prosthetic valve knowledge and numeracy.

Methods

In a prospective multicentre cohort study, AVR patients were surveyed preoperatively and 3 months postoperatively.

Results

132 patients (89 males/43 females; mean age 67 years (range 23–86)) responded preoperatively. Decisional conflict was observed in 56% of patients, and in 25% to such an extent that it made them feel unsure about the decision. 68% wanted to be involved in decision-making, whereas 53% agreed that they actually were. 69% were able to answer three basic knowledge questions concerning prosthetic valves correctly. 56% were able to answer three basic numeracy questions correctly. Three months postsurgery, 90% (n=110) were satisfied with their aortic valve prosthesis, with no difference between mechanical and bioprosthetic valve recipients.

Conclusions

In current clinical practice, many AVR patients experience decisional conflict and suboptimal involvement in prosthetic valve selection, and exhibit impaired knowledge concerning prosthetic valves and numeracy. Given the broad support for SDM among AVR patients and the obvious need for understandable information, to-be-developed tools to support SDM in the setting of prosthetic valve selection will help to improve quality of decision-making, better inform and actively involve patients, and reduce decisional conflict.

Trial registration number

NTR3618.

Factors influencing patients' preferences and perceived involvement in shared decision-making in mental health care

BACKGROUND

Although research has suggested that patients desire to participate in shared decision-making, recent studies show that most patients take a passive role in their treatment decisions. The discrepancy between patients' expressed desire and actual behaviors underscores the need to better understand how patients perceive shared decision-making and what factors influence their participation.

AIMS

To investigate patients' preferences and appraisals of their involvement in treatment decisions.

METHODS

Fifty-four qualitative interviews were conducted with veterans receiving outpatient mental health care at a U.S. Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis.

RESULTS

Participants outlined several factors that influence their preferences and involvement in treatment decisions. These include the patient-provider relationship, fear of being judged, perceived inadequacy, and a history of substance abuse.

CONCLUSION

Patients' preferences and willingness to engage in shared decision-making fluctuate over time and are context dependent. A better understanding of these factors and a strong patient-provider relationship will facilitate better measurement and implementation of shared decision-making.