Characterizing negative reviews of orthopedic spine surgeons and practices.
Ontology highlight
ABSTRACT: Background
Recent evidence suggests that patients prefer subjective and crowd-sourced information over data-driven or quality-based outcomes when choosing a surgeon. Online physician rating and review websites continue to increase in popularity, and over half of patients use them to research physicians. Specifically, Yelp.com is the most frequently utilized online resource by patients. Data regarding the characteristics of negative reviews for spine surgeons and practices is lacking.Methods
Orthopedic Spine surgeons and practices in 8 major US metropolitan regions were surveyed for one-star reviews on Yelp.com. The factors noted in the reviews were recorded and they were classified according to their clinical or nonclinical nature. Reviews were also subclassified into nonsurgical or surgical episodes of care.Results
A total of 6,286 Yelp reviews were discovered, 671 (10.6%) of which were rated one-star. The majority of negative reviews (76.4%) were from patients who did not report surgery by the surgeon or practice. Of all comments, 491 (77.6%) related to nonclinical complaints. The most common factors noted in negative reviews were related to bedside manner, rude or unprofessional staff, and wait time.Conclusion
Choosing a surgeon is a complex process for patients. The large majority of negative reviews were related to nonclinical issues such as poor bedside manner or rude staff and most of these were written by patients that did not undergo a surgical procedure. This may explain the large discrepancy that has been observed between quality metrics and online crowd-sourced reviews. Paying attention to these nonclinical factors may represent the most feasible and valuable targets to improve a surgeon's practice and attract future patients.
SUBMITTER: Brinkman JC
PROVIDER: S-EPMC9213250 | biostudies-literature |
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
Similar Datasets
Project description:Background:Although physicians tend to prefer data-driven quality metrics, emerging evidence suggests that patients prefer crowd-sourced information containing patient narrative descriptions of the care experience. Currently, yelp.com is the most commonly accessed Web resource among patients who use online information to choose a surgeon. The purpose of this study is to characterize extremely negative reviews of total joint arthroplasty surgeons and practices on yelp.com. Methods:We searched yelp.com for one-star (out of 5) reviews of total joint providers and practices in 8 major US metropolitan areas. These reviews were then classified into categories based on content: clinical, nonclinical, or both. Reviews were further subcategorized as "surgical" and "nonsurgical" representing reviews of a nonsurgical experience (eg, initial office visit). Results:A higher proportion of reviews came from patients who did not report prior surgery by the surgeon or practice named in the review than form those who reported surgery (240 reviews, 75.0%, 95% confidence interval: 70.0%-79.4% vs 80 reviews, 25.0%, 95% confidence interval: 20.6%-30.0%, P < .0001). Compared with surgical reviews, nonsurgical reviews were more likely to contain nonclinical complaints (92.1% vs 53.8%, P < .0001) and less likely to contain clinical complaints (21.3% vs 78.7%, P < .0001). Conclusions:The vast majority of extremely negative reviews of total joint arthroplasty surgeons and practices were related to nonclinical concerns posted by patients who did not report prior surgery by the surgeon or practice being reviewed. The results of this study may help explain the wide disparity commonly observed between conventional quality metrics and crowd-sourced online reviews.
| S-EPMC6588800 | biostudies-other
Project description:The aim of this study was to analyse the variability among Turkish spinal surgeons in the management of thoracolumbar fractures by carrying out a web survey.An invitation text and web-link of the survey were sent to the members of the Turkish Spine Society mail group. A fictitious spine trauma vignette, a 23 year-old male with a L1 burst fracture, was presented and 25 questions were asked to participants. Variability of answers in a given question was assessed with the Index of Qualitative Variation (IQV). Questions with high IQV values (>%80) were selected to evaluate the relation between participant factors (speciality, age, degree and experience level of the surgeon, type of the work centre and volume of the trauma patients).Sixty-four (88%) among the 73 participating surgeons completed the survey. 45 (70%) of them were orthopaedic surgeons and 19 (30%) were neurosurgeons. 11 questions had very high variability (IQV ? 0.80), 5 had high variability (0.58-0.75) and 2 had low variability (IQV?0.20). The question with the highest variability was related to the use of brace after surgery (IQV = 0.93). Following one was about the selection of fixation levels (IQV = 0.91). Neurosurgeons were more likely to use brace postoperatively and professors were less likely to perform decompression.This survey shows that thoracolumbar spine trauma practice significantly varies among Turkish spine surgeons. Surgeons' characteristics affected some specific answers. Lack of enough knowledge about spine trauma care, fracture classifications and surgical techniques and/or ethical factors may be other reasons for this variability.
| S-EPMC6136338 | biostudies-literature
Project description:BackgroundWith the expanding accessibility of online health-care information, patients frequently report visiting physician rating websites before choosing a surgeon. As such, it is important to analyze patients' perception of arthroplasty surgeons as reflected on physician rating websites.MethodsA total of 6402 online reviews of arthroplasty surgeons were extracted for analysis. Each review rated less than 5 on a 5-point scale was deemed a "negative" review and was subsequently assigned to an appropriate category. Reviews were stratified by practice type, years in practice, gender, and low (<3) vs high (> 3) ratings.ResultsA total of 6402 reviews comprising 315 physicians were included in the analysis. The average rating for all surgeons was 4.35. The average rating for physicians in private practice was 4.3, compared to 4.5 for those in an academic setting. The average rating for physicians in practice for 1-10 years was 4.46, compared to 4.03 for those with >10 years of experience (P < .001). The most common factors contributing to negative reviews were bedside manner, wait time, poor outcome, and surgeon proficiency. Surgeon-dependent factors were more commonly associated with lower rated reviews (P < .001).ConclusionsArthroplasty surgeons typically receive high online ratings, with a mean of 4.35 on a 5-point scale. Physicians in academic practice received higher ratings than those in private practice, and physicians who have been in practice for 1-10 years received higher ratings than those with more than 10 years in practice. The most common factors contributing to negative reviews are surgeon-dependent, including bedside manner, poor outcome, and surgeon proficiency.
| S-EPMC8217335 | biostudies-literature
Project description:BackgroundDigital media is an effective tool to enhance brand recognition and is currently referenced by more than 40% of orthopedic patients when selecting a physician. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of social media among foot and ankle (F&A) orthopedic surgeons, and the impact of that social media presence on scores of a physician-rated website (PRW).MethodsRandomly selected F&A orthopedic surgeons from all major geographical locations across the United States were identified using the AAOS.org website. Internet searches were then performed using the physician's name and the respective social media platform. A comprehensive social media use index (SMI) was created for each surgeon using a scoring system based on social media platform use. The use of individual platforms and SMI was compared to the F&A surgeon's Healthgrades scores. Descriptive statistics, unpaired Student t tests, and linear regression were used to assess the effect of social media on the PRW scores.ResultsA total of 123 board-certified F&A orthopedic surgeons were included in our study demonstrating varying social media use: Facebook (48.8%), Twitter (15.4%), YouTube (23.6%), LinkedIn (47.9%), personal website (24.4%), group website (52.9%), and Instagram (0%). The mean SMI was 2.4 ± 1.6 (range 0-7). Surgeons who used a Facebook page were older, whereas those using a group website were younger (P < .05). F&A orthopedic surgeons with a YouTube page had statistically higher Healthgrades scores compared to those without (P < .05).ConclusionF&A orthopedic surgeons underused social media platforms in their clinical practice. Among all the platforms studied, a YouTube page was the most impactful social media platform on Healthgrades scores for F&A orthopedic surgeons. Given these findings, we recommend that physicians closely monitor their digital identity and maintain a diverse social media presence including a YouTube page to promote their clinical practice.Level of evidenceLevel IV.
| S-EPMC8702771 | biostudies-literature
Project description:The ongoing outbreak of COVID-19, also known as SARS-CoV-2 and coronavirus disease 2019, is considered a major public concern that propagates steadily by the increased number of the infected cases and the mortality rate. In this article, we provide a brief review for Orthopedic surgeons as regard COVID-19 virus microbiology, epidemiology, clinical picture, and diagnosis. Moreover, what measures should be taken amid this pandemic to assess its control, maintain the urgent duties, and protect health care workers (HCW) are also discussed.
| S-EPMC7237925 | biostudies-literature
Project description:PURPOSE:It was the primary purpose of the present systematic review to identify the optimal protection measures during COVID-19 pandemic and provide guidance of protective measures for orthopedic surgeons. The secondary purpose was to report the protection experience of an orthopedic trauma center in Wuhan, China during the pandemic. METHODS:A systematic search of the PubMed, Cochrane, Web of Science, Google Scholar was performed for studies about COVID-19, fracture, trauma, orthopedic, healthcare workers, protection, telemedicine. The appropriate protective measures for orthopedic surgeons and patients were reviewed (on-site first aid, emergency room, operating room, isolation wards, general ward, etc.) during the entire diagnosis and treatment process of traumatic patients. RESULTS:Eighteen studies were included, and most studies (13/18) emphasized that orthopedic surgeons should pay attention to prevent cross-infection. Only four studies have reported in detail how orthopedic surgeons should be protected during surgery in the operating room. No detailed studies on multidisciplinary cooperation, strict protection, protection training, indications of emergency surgery, first aid on-site and protection in orthopedic wards were found. CONCLUSION:Strict protection at every step in the patient pathway is important to reduce the risk of cross-infection. Lessons learnt from our experience provide some recommendations of protective measures during the entire diagnosis and treatment process of traumatic patients and help others to manage orthopedic patients with COVID-19, to reduce the risk of cross-infection between patients and to protect healthcare workers during work. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:IV.
| S-EPMC7283425 | biostudies-literature
Project description:BackgroundGiven the high prevalence of musculoskeletal conditions in the USA, it is important for orthopedic surgeons to promptly identify patients who may be at risk for opioid misuse.Questions/purposesThe aim of this literature review was to elucidate various musculoskeletal pathologies and complications, as seen on imaging, that may indicate opioid misuse or opioid use disorder.MethodsA literature search was conducted using the PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane Library databases for articles related to imaging findings associated with chronic opioid use or misuse in orthopedic patients. Two independent reviewers conducted the search utilizing pertinent Boolean operations.ResultsWe reviewed 36 full-text articles and categorized the radiographic evidence of opioid misuse as follows: soft-tissue radiologic findings, cellulitis, necrotizing fasciitis, abscess formation, retained needles, discitis, myopathy and rhabdomyolysis, osteomyelitis, septic arthritis, and septic thrombophlebitis.ConclusionKnowledge of the radiologic findings of opioid misuse will assist orthopedic surgeons in making timely diagnoses that may alter therapeutic regimens for their patients.
| S-EPMC6384203 | biostudies-literature
Project description:Background:Previous studies have reported what patients value while choosing their surgeon, but there are no studies exploring the patterns of referral to spine surgeons among primary care physicians (PCPs). This study aims to identify any trends in PCPs' referral to orthopedic surgery versus neurosurgery for spinal pathology. Methods:In total, 450 internal medicine, family medicine, emergency medicine, neurology, and pain management physicians who practice at one of three locations (suburban community hospital, urban academic university hospital, and urban private practice) were asked to participate in the study. Consenting physicians completed our 24-question survey addressing their beliefs according to pathologies, locations of pathologies, and surgical interventions. Results:Overall, 108 physicians (24%) completed our survey. Fifty-seven physicians (52.8%) felt that neurosurgeons would provide better long-term comprehensive spinal care. Overall, 66.7% of physicians would refer to neurosurgery for cervical spine radiculopathy; 52.8%, to neurosurgery for thoracic spine radiculopathy; and 56.5%, to orthopedics for lumbar spine radiculopathy. Most physicians would refer all spine fractures to orthopedics for treatment except cervical spine fractures (56.5% to neurosurgeons). Most physicians would refer to neurosurgery for extradural tumors (91.7%) and intradural tumors (96.3%). Most would refer to orthopedic surgeons for chronic pain. Finally, physicians would refer to orthopedics for spine fusion (61.1%) and discectomy (58.3%) and to neurosurgery for minimally invasive surgery (59.3%). Conclusions:Even though both orthopedic surgeons and neurosurgeons are intensively trained to treat a similar breath of spinal pathology, physicians vary in their referring patterns according to spinal pathology, location of pathology, and intended surgery. Education on the role of spine surgeons among PCPs is essential in ensuring unbiased referral patterns.
| S-EPMC7031437 | biostudies-literature
Project description:Study designCross-sectional study.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak in spine surgeons in Latin America.MethodsA questionnaire was sent to Latin American spine surgeons from April 4 to 6, 2020. Surgeon characteristics were recorded. The impact of COVID-19 on economic well-being, work, and mental health were also determined. All variables were compared and analyzed.ResultsTwo hundred four surgeons answered the complete survey; most of them were male (96.6%), the average age was 47.7 years; 58.8% (n = 120) were orthopedic surgeons and 41.2% (n = 84) were neurosurgeons. The majority of the respondents were from Argentina (59.8%, n = 122), followed by Brazil (17.2%, n = 35), Chile (6.4%, n = 13), and Mexico (5.9%, n = 12). Most of the surgeons reported performing emergency procedures only during the pandemic (76.5%, n = 156). Half used telemedicine or online consultation modalities (54.4%, n = 111). The average concern about the financial situation due to the pandemic was 7.53 in a scale of 1 to 10 (10 being the worst scenario). Twenty-two percent (n = 45) of the surgeons had a score over 10 in the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9; scores higher than 10 needs referral to confirm depression diagnosis). Young age and neurosurgery as a specialty were associated with higher PHQ-9 scores.ConclusionsCOVID-19 has an impact in the daily working practice and financial situation of spine surgeons in Latin America. The long-term psychological impact should be taken into consideration to avoid a heavier burden for health care providers.
| S-EPMC8258821 | biostudies-literature
Project description:BackgroundIn older adults facing knee arthroplasty, the ability to resume downhill skiing postoperatively is unclear. This study aimed to determine the perspectives of Alberta orthopedic surgeons and senior residents regarding downhill skiing after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) or unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA).MethodsIn May 2019, a Web-based survey was sent through the Alberta Orthopaedic Society to poll orthopedic surgeons performing arthroplasty and senior orthopedic residents (postgraduate year 4 or 5) in Alberta regarding the permissibility of downhill skiing after TKA or UKA. The survey also elicited information regarding under which conditions or restrictions, if any, surgeons would allow patients to return to downhill skiing, whether these recommendations were evidence based, and whether surgeons had seen complications from downhill skiing in their patients who had undergone knee arthroplasty.ResultsOf the 41 respondents, 21 (51%) were full-time fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons, 15 (37%) were specialists with some arthroplasty in their practice, and 5 (12%) were orthopedic residents. Ten of 40 respondents (25%) would allow unrestricted downhill skiing after TKA, and 1 (2%) would not allow any skiing at all. The remaining 29 (72%) indicated that they might allow downhill skiing under specific conditions, with the top 3 being limitations on speed and intensity (29 [71%]), return of full range of motion and strength in the operative knee (26 [63%]), and years of downhill ski experience (23 [56%]). Fourteen respondents (34%) would allow unrestricted downhill skiing after UKA, and 27 (66%) would allow skiing with the same top 3 conditions as for TKA. Thirty-two respondents (78%) reported that their decisions were not evidence based, and 35 (85%) had never seen complications from downhill skiing after TKA or UKA.ConclusionAlberta orthopedic surgeons and senior residents are cautious regarding skiing after knee arthroplasty. The majority reported that their restrictions were not evidence based, which indicates the need for further investigation to develop an approach for surgeons to consistently and safely address return to downhill skiing after TKA or UKA.
| S-EPMC8410469 | biostudies-literature