How do your patients define success? Probably differently than you do

Becker’s Spine Review—December 15, 2014

Most spine surgeons would say a successful surgery looks like this: lower postoperative pain scores, increased functional scores and images show a solid fusion; the patient isn't readmitted to the hospital and doesn't complain of any further complications.

But that's not necessarily how patients would define "success." Patients are looking for a surgery that alleviates their pain, allows them to return to work and daily activities, and reduce or eliminate narcotics use. And they want all of this done in the most efficient and cost-effective way. Otherwise, they don't consider their procedure a success.

The University of Wisconsin and Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City are also participating in the study to determine how well patient navigators work.

Read the full story at beckersspine.com.