S3.E21 - The Key to Successful Surgery: Patient Expectations with Dr. Rachel Albright - GaitKeepers Journal Club

In this episode of GaitKeepers Journal Club, Dr. Rachel Albright joins us to discuss the critical role of patient expectations in surgical outcomes. We delve into her recent qualitative research on bunion surgery that highlights the importance of aligning surgical goals with patient expectations to enhance satisfaction and success. Key topics include the differences between qualitative analysis and traditional PROM scores, and how demographics like gender can influence patient priorities.

Dr. Albright shares practical strategies for improving preoperative communication, such as using surveys and visual aids to better understand patient goals. We also explore the considerations of operating on new versus established patients and the impact of comorbidities on surgical decisions. This episode underscores the value of setting realistic expectations and personalizing recovery plans to meet individual patient needs.