An evaluation was done at the University of Michigan Department of Plastic Surgery (Predictors of Patient Satisfaction in an Outpatient Plastic Surgery Clinic) to determine what is most important to patients when it comes to their satisfaction. While it would reasonably be assumed that the technical skills of a surgeon would be the primary predictor of patient satisfaction, the study actually found some surprising results.
345 patients completed the evaluation by questionnaire with a 95% participation rate, and the important predictors of patient satisfaction were determined to be (in order of importance):
- The personal manner of the physician
- The amount of time that patients spent with the physician
- The length of time that it took to get an appointment
- The explanation of what would be done during the procedure
Similar studies in other medical studies have all had similar results. It behooves plastic surgeons, and indeed all physicians, to concentrate on empathetic and unhurried communication with their patients as the most effective manner of improving satisfaction. Studies regarding malpractice litigation have also demonstrated that physicians who communicate effectively and spend more time with their patients are less prone to law suits.
Dr. Maurice Khosh has been selected to be included on the Best Doctors in America 2015-2016 data base. His selection states:
“Your selection is the result of extensive, impartial, peer- review survey of thousands of doctors nationwide. being named a Best Doctor is a singular honor recognizing the 5% of US doctors from whom others would seek care. Only those who earn the consensus support of other physicians are included. A doctor or hospital cannot pay or apply to become a Best Doctor, nor do we pay physicians or hospitals for inclusion.”
In our fast paced society of rapid communication, the time spent with a doctor continues to be of greatest importance to patients. In other words, bedside manner goes a long way in endearing physicians to their most prized critics: their patients. Dr. Khosh is proud to have been selected among America’s Best Doctors for his care and attention to all of his patients.
