Patient Encounter Cards Improve Physician and Patient Engagement for New Patient Visits in Orthopaedic Oncology.

Abstract

Introduction: New patient visits in the orthopaedic oncology clinic are medically complex and emotionally nuanced. Previous orthopaedic literature has shown that clear communication of the diagnosis and plan can be difficult, resulting in worse outcomes. This study aimed to validate the use of a novel patient encounter card (PEC) to improve patient/physician postencounter satisfaction.

Methods: All new patients who presented to the clinics of three fellowship-trained orthopaedic oncologists from September 2023 to March 2025 were included. In the preintervention phase, visits were conducted without modification. Patients were queried on satisfaction, whether concerns were addressed, understanding of the treatment plan, and perceived patient/physician connection. During the intervention phase, a PEC was implemented. The "patient" side was completed in the waiting room; the "physician" side during the visit. Patients then completed the same postvisit survey. Residents and fellows were surveyed at the end of each clinic. All statistical analysis was done using STATA V18.

Results: A total of 245 patients were surveyed. During the intervention phase, patient scores improved across all 12 patient satisfaction and competency metrics. Following the intervention, 94% of patients strongly agreed that the doctor listened to what they had to say and 93% felt that their main concern had been addressed. Compared with the control group, markedly more patients reported being "very satisfied" with their visit ( P = 0.048) and "very confident" that they made the most of their visit ( P = 0.041). Markedly more patients also reported that they were involved in their treatment plan as much as they wanted to be ( P = 0.046). Finally, 100% of surveyed physicians believed that the intervention improved clinical efficiency.

Conclusion: PECs improve patient experience and strengthen patient-physician communication while maintaining clinical efficiency in orthopaedic oncology consultations. This simple, low-cost intervention may be effective across a range of medical and surgical specialties.