Development and Validation of an Orthopedic Visit Prompt List

Investigators are interested to see whether patients who received a visit question prompt list before the consultation ask more questions, feel more actively involved in their healthcare, and think of their surgeon as being more empathetic.

Visiting a doctor with a musculoskeletal problem can be quite a daunting experience for patients. A visit question prompt list may help to empower patients and increase their role in active decision-making. Previous studies have shown that patient activation is correlated with a disability, pain intensity, and satisfaction with treatment. Perceived empathy is strongly associated with satisfaction among people with arm problems. A list that prompts patients to ask about things that matter to them, might improve their connection with the surgeon and their perceived empathy. The investigators are interested to see whether patients who received a visit question prompt list before the consultation ask more questions, feel more actively involved in their healthcare, and think of their surgeon as being more empathetic.

All new, adult (18+ years old) patients seeing an orthopedic surgeon for a consultation will be invited to enroll. Randomization will be done through an Excel random number generator. The patients in the intervention group will review a prompt list before their visit. The research assistant will shadow the surgeon to count the amount of questions they ask during their visit. Patients in both groups will fill out a survey entailing demographics, the Decisional Conflict Scale, the JSPPE, the PAM score and a satisfaction scale at the end of the visit.

Inclusion Criteria: Adult patients (18+) Orthopedic visit Exclusion Criteria: Patients who are illiterate. Patients who do not speak English.