Brief Article
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World J Orthop. Jan 18, 2014; 5(1): 45-50
Published online Jan 18, 2014. doi: 10.5312/wjo.v5.i1.45
Communication after cancellations in orthopaedics: The patient perspective
Saurabh S Mehta, David J Bryson, Jitendra Mangwani, Lucy Cutler
Saurabh S Mehta, Department of Orthopaedics, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester General Hospital, LE5 4PW Leicester, United Kingdom
David J Bryson, Jitendra Mangwani, Lucy Cutler, Department of Orthopaedics, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester Royal Infirmary, LE1 5WW Leicester, United Kingdom
Author contributions: Mehta SS and Bryson DJ were responsible for literature review, collection of data, day to day running of the study, for overseeing completion of surveys and statistical analyses; Mehta SS, Mangwani J and Cutler L were responsible for study design; all authors contributed to authorship of the manuscript and revising the article.
Supported by The Department of Trauma and Orthopaedics, Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester United Kingdom
Correspondence to: Dr. Saurabh S Mehta, Department of Orthopaedics, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester General Hospital, Gwendolen Rd, LE5 4PW Leicester, United Kingdom. ssm@doctors.org.uk
Telephone: +44-116-2541414 Fax: +44-116-2586918
Received: July 25, 2013
Revised: September 27, 2013
Accepted: October 11, 2013
Published online: January 18, 2014
Core Tip

Core tip: Communication is a fundamental component of medical practice. This study highlights communication issues surrounding cancellation of orthopaedic operations. It reflects patients’ preferences and expectations in these situations. Failure to meet these preferences and expectations predisposes to dissatisfaction and can negatively impact patient experiences and health outcomes. In the current climate, it may fall to individual practitioners to change their approach to communication and patient interaction. Patients appear to place great value on communication delivered by doctors, and a few extra moments spent conversing with a patient may have profound and lasting effects.