Satisfaction With Physician Relationship Tied to Bariatric Surgery Completion

WEDNESDAY, Dec. 21, 2022 (HealthDay News) — Patients who complete metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) have significantly higher satisfaction with their patient-physician relationship than noncompleters, according to a study published online Dec. 19 in JAMA Network Open.

Luyu Xie, Pharm.D., Ph.D., from University of Texas Health Science Center in Dallas, and colleagues examined the association between patient-reported satisfaction with their patient-physician relationship and MBS completion by self-reported racial and ethnic group. The analysis included 366 patients referred to a bariatric surgeon or obesity medicine program between July 24, 2019, and May 19, 2022.

The researchers found that 30.4 percent of patients completed MBS. The mean patient satisfaction score was significantly greater in MBS completers versus noncompleters. Technical quality was the most significant factor for MBS completion (adjusted odds ratio, 1.99), followed by communication (adjusted odds ratio, 1.78) and accessibility and convenience (adjusted odds ratio, 1.61). There was no significant association seen between racial and ethnic groups and patient satisfaction.

“The findings of this prospective cohort study suggest that patient satisfaction with their patient-physician relationship was associated with MBS completion regardless of racial and ethnic group,” the authors write. “Specifically, improving patient satisfaction by building trust with physicians’ technical skills, enhancing communication, and improving accessibility to health care visits may increase MBS utilization to treat obesity and its complications among all racial and ethnic groups.”

One author disclosed financial ties to the pharmaceutical industry.

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