Open AccessReduced Elective Operation Rates and High Patient Satisfaction After the Implementation of Decision Aids in Patients with Gallstones or an Inguinal Hernia
Author(s) -
Latenstein Carmen S. S.,
Wely Bob J.,
Klerkx Mieke,
Meinders Marjan J.,
Thomeer Bastiaan,
Reuver Philip R.
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
world journal of surgery
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.115
H-Index - 148
eISSN - 1432-2323
pISSN - 0364-2313
DOI - 10.1007/s00268-019-05007-w
Subject(s) - medicine , gallstones , inguinal hernia , abdominal surgery , hernia , general surgery , hernia repair , patient satisfaction , watchful waiting , surgery , outpatient clinic , cardiothoracic surgery , prostate cancer , cancer
Background For both gallbladder removal and inguinal hernia repair, it is important to include patients’ perspective in the decision‐making process, as watchful waiting is an accepted alternative in selected patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate operation rates before and after implementation of decision aids (DAs) and to assess patient compliance with the use of DAs. Methods A single‐centered retrospective study was performed, including all patients ≥18 years referred to the surgical outpatient clinic with symptomatic gallstones or an inguinal hernia between January 2014 and December 2017. Operation rates before and after implementation of DAs (December 2015) were compared. In addition, patient compliance with the use of DAs and satisfaction with final treatment were assessed. Results Overall, 1625 patients with gallstones and 1798 patients with an inguinal hernia were included. After implementation, DAs were provided to 512 patients (63.1%) with gallstones of whom 80.7% (413/512) used the DA and to 528 patients (58.8%) with an inguinal hernia, which was used by 80.7% (426/528). Before implementation, the operation rate in patients with gallstones was 72.0% (586/814) and after implementation 56.7% (460/811) (− 15.3%, p < 0.001). The operation rate in patients with an inguinal hernia decreased from 77.8% (700/900) to 64.6% (580/898) (− 13.2%, p < 0.001). Patient satisfaction with final treatment was high (9/10). Conclusion Implementation of DAs in the surgical outpatient clinic for patients with gallstones or an inguinal hernia is associated with reduced elective operation rates and is associated with high DA compliance.