The Importance of a Solid Orthopedic Surgeon-Patient Relationship

Patients entrust their surgeons with important aspects of their health and lives. It is one of the reasons why patients are encouraged to take the time to search for the right surgeon. There are many bad surgeons out there, as well as surgeons who may be incompatible with you.

It is ideal to have a solid, long-term relationship with your surgeon, which is built on trust, open communication, and mutual respect. This is why you should take the time to find an excellent surgeon for yourself and work to maintain a positive, worthwhile relationship with them.

If you don’t trust your surgeon and don’t feel respected by them, this can impact your health outcomes. Let’s talk about why it’s important to start working towards a solid relationship with your orthopedic surgeon.

An Empowered Patient

Even though your surgeon is the expert, you have the full right to be completely aware of your treatment options and select the one that best suits your needs and preference. Research supports the belief that patients who participate in making their own healthcare decisions have better outcomes. Active participation springs from having open communication with the doctor. When a patient feels heard and understood, trust is built. If the patient trusts their orthopedic surgeon, they will be more comfortable communicating with them, which allows the patient to shift from a vulnerable position to an empowered position. An empowered patient participates in shared decision-making, where the doctor allows them to choose from several treatment options.

Open-Communication

A solid orthopedic surgeon-patient relationship rests on open communication. When communication lines are unobstructed, surgeons are able to be very open and thorough with their treatment recommendations and are more likely to explain themselves in an effort to keep the patient informed. In return, patients who have established open communication with their surgeons are able to express themselves openly about sensitive subjects, as well as their wishes with regard to medication and non-surgical/surgical treatments.

Treatment Compliance

Patient compliance can affect treatment outcomes. For example, postoperative patients may see a physical therapist regularly, but it is up to them to do rehabilitation exercises at home. Non-compliance can lead to complications and unexpected outcomes after surgery. Patients with poor rehabilitation compliance are more likely to be dissatisfied with treatment. Patients who have a solid relationship with their orthopedic surgeons show an improvement in compliance, which is advantageous to them overall. They also demonstrate better recall of the surgeon’s information, which also leads to better symptom control.

Orthopedic Surgeon in St. Charles County, MO

The relationship an orthopedic surgeon has with their patients is important and can be life-changing. Living with orthopedic issues is tough without the support of a good orthopedic surgeon.

At Advanced Bone & Joint, our orthopedic surgeons practice patient-centric care. We believe in building trust, open lines of communication, and treating our patients with warmth and respect to benefit their health and give them the best possible outcomes from treatment.

To make an appointment with one of our orthopedic surgeons, call us at (636) 229-4222 or use our online request form. We look forward to building a solid doctor-patient relationship with you.