Patients 'not expressing surgery worries to medical professionals'

A new study has suggested that older people considering orthopaedic surgery often do not raise their concerns about the operation when talking to medical professionals.

Researchers from St Michael's Hospital in Toronto published their findings in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery.

They used audiotapes of visits between patients and their orthopaedic surgeons and post-visit telephone interviews to assess the process.

It was found that only 53 per cent of patients raised their concerns during their consultation. In particular, patients were shown to rarely voice worries about their ability to meet the demands of surgery or about the orthopaedic surgeon's experience.

Dr Pamela Hudak commented: "Unexpressed concerns can keep patients from accepting recommended surgeries that may be very beneficial for them.

"If patients don't bring up concerns with their orthopaedic surgeon, then the opportunity to help is missed. For example, if a patient's unexpressed concern is based on incorrect information, a surgeon will be hard pressed to help."

The researchers said that it was vital medical professionals were aware patients might have unanswered questions and work hard to make sure they are encouraged to express these worries.

A spokesman for the Arthritis Research Campaign said: "Older people are sometimes in awe of the medical profession and orthopaedic surgeons need to bear this in mind during pre-operative consultations."

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