Satisfaction after joint surgery depends on whether the result matches what the patient hoped for. A short question at the preoperative visit about what they most want to be able to do, and a plain description of the usual result, helps align the two and gives you a goal to measure at follow-up.
- Ask what one activity matters most to the patient.
- Describe the usual outcome and its limits.
- Write the stated goal in the notes.
- Review progress against that goal at follow-up.
Why it matters
An excellent operation can still disappoint if the goal was never agreed.
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