Abstract
BackgroundPatients’ perceptions of their healthcare have been reported to influence clinical outcomes following orthopedic trauma. Findings across clinical outcomes have demonstrated significant differences in perceptions towards healthcare between Hispanics and non-Hispanic whites. However, ethnic disparities in perceptions towards orthopedic injuries have not been examined in the literature.Aim of studyThe aim of this pilot study is to explore whether Hispanic patients with isolated orthopedic injuries will demonstrate different perceptions towards their injury as compared to non-Hispanic white patients. The pilot data will be used to inform a subsequent larger clinical investigation and interventional study.MethodsA total of 43 patients (31 Hispanics and 12 non-Hispanic whites) with isolated orthopedic injuries requiring surgical treatment were enrolled in this cross-sectional observational pilot study. Outcome measures included the Questionnaire of Perceived Injustice (QPI), Short-Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36v2), Pain Catastrophizing Scale, and Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (CAHPS) Cultural Competence (CC) item set.ResultsThe CAHPS was completed by 34 patients, and the remaining scoring systems were completed by all 43 subjects enrolled in this study. Hispanic patients trended towards higher QPI scores indicating poorer outcomes than non-Hispanic whites (mean difference [MD] 5.4, 95%; confidence interval [CI] − 4.4, 15.2). The mental component summary score of the SF-36 trended lower in Hispanics as compared to non-Hispanic white (MD − 6.8, 95%; CI − 15.0, 1.4). Hispanic patients also expressed less trust in their doctor on a scale from 0 to 10 (MD − 1.0, 95%; CI − 1.9, − 0.1).ConclusionsOur study suggests ethnic differences in patients’ perceptions towards isolated orthopedic injuries. These results must be interpreted cautiously given the limited number of subjects in this pilot examination. We collected sufficient data to allow a sample size calculation for a subsequent larger clinical investigation. Future clinical investigations may determine the influence of ethnic differences in patients’ perceptions towards orthopedic injuries, identify their impact on the functional outcomes, and establish intervention strategies.
Highlights
Patients’ perceptions of their healthcare have been reported to influence clinical outcomes following orthopedic trauma
The Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (CAHPS) was completed by 34 patients, and the remaining scoring systems were completed by all 43 subjects enrolled in this study
Hispanic patients trended towards higher Questionnaire of Perceived Injustice (QPI) scores indicating poorer outcomes than non-Hispanic whites
Summary
Patients’ perceptions of their healthcare have been reported to influence clinical outcomes following orthopedic trauma. Patients’ perceptions of care have been reported to influence functional clinical outcomes following orthopedic trauma. A recently published study recorded that fatalistic attitudes and medical system mistrust were more prevalent among minority men [10]. These attributes were associated with poorer physical and emotional well-being. This study data offers some insight into Hispanic perceptions of healthcare in general These data cannot be extrapolated to examine the barriers and facilitators for orthopedic trauma patients. Anecdotal reports have suggested that Hispanic patients with musculoskeletal injuries have a higher prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms than non-Hispanic whites [9]. The underlying factors contributing to this health disparity remain unclear
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 
Published Version (
Free)
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call