The Impact of COVID-19 on Patient Preferences in an Orthopaedic Clinic

Abstract

Introduction/Purpose: Patient preferences for physician greeting method and attire are impactful but often overlooked aspects of the patient experience, which may be affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, the use of telemedicine as an alternative to clinical care has become increasingly relevant to follow social distancing guidelines. This study evaluates the effects of the COVID-19 crisis on patient preferences for an orthopaedic surgeons’ attire, greeting and perception of telemedicine during outpatient visits. Methods: A multi-center collaboration prospectively collected surveys to evaluate patients presenting with an orthopaedic pathology to one of five outpatient orthopaedic clinics in the United States from June 2020 through August 2020. This survey assessed patient opinions regarding physician attire, greeting method and willingness to use telemedicine. A cross-sectional cohort analysis evaluates these preferences and the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on them. Results: 412 patients were surveyed. 46% of patients reported preferring a no-contact greeting and 40% of patients stated no preference. 57% of patients reported that COVID-19 affected their preferred greeting. Almost 50% of respondents noted neither like nor dislike regarding physician attire options presented and 89% stated that this preference was not impacted by COVID-19. Although most patients or a family member had not utilized a telemedicine visit (65%), 56% of patients reported a willingness to use telemedicine in the future. Conclusion: This study highlights the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on patient preferences. Most patients preferred a no-contact greeting or had no preference, responses that were influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic. COVID-19 did not impact patient preferences for specific doctor attire, but patients favored options including a white coat. A majority of patients expressed willingness to utilize telemedicine.