The Impact of Learners on Patient Satisfaction in the Orthopedic Setting

This investigation evaluates the impact of learners and their post-graduate year (PGY) levels on patient satisfaction in the orthopedic outpatient clinic, an area with limited prior research. A retrospective cohort study was conducted using data from July 2020 to December 2022, involving 2,484 patients, with a 39% response rate. Satisfaction was measured via NRC Health surveys, focusing on the likelihood of recommending the provider or clinic based on the presence of learners, categorized as none, present in the clinic, or involved in patient care. Non-parametric statistical analysis revealed significant reductions in satisfaction when learners were involved in care, with top-box scores for recommending providers and clinics decreasing notably (p = 0.030 for providers, p = 0.018 for clinics). The decrease was 7.9% for provider recommendations and 7.2% for clinic recommendations when learners were involved, compared to their absence. Notably, PGY-4 learners were associated with the highest satisfaction levels, highlighting the varied impact of PGY levels on patient perceptions. In summary, the presence and involvement of learners in patient care significantly influence patient satisfaction in orthopedic clinics, with the impact varying by the learner’s PGY level. This suggests a complex interplay between learner engagement and patient satisfaction, emphasizing the need for targeted strategies to enhance educational experiences and patient outcomes in these settings.