Influence of Sociodemographic Factors on Patient Completion of Patient-Reported Outcome Measures in Hand Surgery Patients

TL;DR

This study finds that sociodemographic factors like race, age, and area deprivation affect how hand surgery patients complete and participate in health surveys.

Contribution

The study is the first to examine both PROM completion and participation specifically in hand surgery patients.

Findings

Black patients had lower rates of survey completion and participation.

Older patients and those from disadvantaged areas were less likely to complete or participate in PROM surveys.

Asian patients and smokers had lower participation rates but not completion rates.

Abstract

Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are standardized surveys that assess health outcomes, symptoms, functional status, and quality of life. Although prior studies have evaluated completion and/or participation across orthopedic subspecialties, no current studies have examined both completion and participation outcomes specifically in hand surgery. This study investigates the association between sociodemographic factors and PROM completion and participation in hand surgery patients.

A retrospective review was conducted of patients who underwent carpal tunnel release, trigger finger release, or both by an orthopedic hand surgeon at an academic center between 2020 and 2024. Demographic variables, area deprivation index, and PROM participation and completion were recorded. Participation was defined as completing at least one pre- and one postoperative survey, and completion was defined as completing all pre- and postoperative surveys. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression were used to identify factors associated with PROM completion and participation.

In total, 406 patients were included for review. Black patients had lower rates of survey completion, and both Asian and Black patients demonstrated reduced participation of PROM surveys. Furthermore, patients from minority backgrounds and patients residing in areas with greater sociodemographic disadvantage were less likely to complete and participate in PROM surveys. Additionally, increasing age was also associated with decreased likelihood of both survey completion and participation.

This study found PROM completion and participation rates to be lower among hand surgery patients of Black race, racial/ethnic minorities, higher area deprivation index score, and older age. However, only participation rates were lower for Asian race and those with active smoking status. These findings support similar studies in other orthopedic subspecialties and support the need for equitable PROMs collection to better represent patients across all sociodemographic backgrounds.

Prognostic III.

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