# Trust in medical art is the most effective coping mechanism for predicting treatment satisfaction in elective neurosurgery

## TL;DR

This study shows that trusting medical professionals and receiving good preoperative education can significantly improve patient satisfaction after elective neurosurgery.

## Contribution

The study identifies 'trust in medical art' as the most effective coping mechanism for predicting treatment satisfaction in elective neurosurgery.

## Key findings

- Trust in medical art and willingness to accept help were significant predictors of patient satisfaction.
- Preoperative education quality and postoperative burden also influenced satisfaction outcomes.
- Patients with less complex procedures reported higher preoperative burden.

## Abstract

Patient expectations and satisfaction are critical outcomes in cranial and spinal neurosurgery, yet discrepancies between anticipated and actual results can hinder postoperative adjustment. This prospective longitudinal study investigated how coping strategies and preoperative patient education influence satisfaction with surgical outcomes. Two self-developed questionnaires assessed expectations, perceived illness burden, patient education quality, hospital experience, postoperative recovery, and overall satisfaction after surgery. Coping strategies were evaluated using the validated Essen Coping Questionnaire. Data from 277 patients were analyzed, stratified by surgical complexity. No significant difference in patient education quality was found between complexity groups (mean difference 0.62, 95% CI [–1.65, 0.41]; t(221) = –1.19, p = .237). Patients undergoing less complex procedures reported higher preoperative burden (mean difference 1.72, 95% CI [–3.33, –0.10]; t(231) = –2.09, p = .038). Linear regression revealed that the quality of preoperative education, postoperative burden, and coping strategies trust in medical art and willingness to accept help significantly predicted satisfaction (F(10,79) = 3.41, p < .001). These findings highlight the importance of patient-doctor communication, tailored education, and psychological preparedness in shaping patient-reported outcomes. Enhancing preoperative support and fostering adaptive coping may improve satisfaction and postoperative adjustment, advocating for a more personalized approach to neurosurgical care.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1038/s41598-026-43341-x.