Patient-centered care and distal radius fracture outcomes: A prospective cohort study analysis

STUDY DESIGN: Prospective cohort. INTRODUCTION: Effects of patient-centered care on distal radius fracture recovery lacks evidence. PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: To understand from the perspective of a patient with a distal radius fracture: if the Patient Perception of Patient-Centeredness Questionnaire (PPPC) subscales apply to distal radius fracture populations; the strongest and weakest areas of patient-centered care; changes in patient perceptions of patient-centeredness during recovery; and, correlations between aspects of patient-centered care and patient reported pain and disability. METHODS: Patients with distal radius fractures (n = 129; mean age = 54.03, SD = 14.63) completed the Patient Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE) and PPPC, at baseline (less than 10 days post-fracture) and at three months post-injury. Outcome measure responses were factor analyzed and tested for correlations. RESULTS: Factors identified were titled Clinician-Patient Dialogue, representing communication components of patient-centered care, and Clinician-Patient Alliance, representing partnership components of patient-centered care. Small significant correlations (r = 0.22) between PRWE and PPPC responses were observed with Clinician-Patient Alliance more correlated at baseline and Clinician-Patient Dialogue at follow-up. DISCUSSION: Important aspects of the patient-clinician dynamic were identified. CONCLUSIONS: Communication between clinician and patient was perceived most favorably at baseline; and partnership improved by three months. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 1b.