Survey Mode Influence on Patient-Reported Outcome Scores in Orthopaedic Surgery: Telephone Results May Be Positively Biased
Authors: Hammarstedt JE, Redmond JM, Gupta A, Dunne KF, Vemula SP, Domb BG
DOI: 10.1007/s00167-015-3802-6
Purpose
To evaluate whether the mode of patient-reported outcome (PRO) collection— in-person, online, or telephone—affects postoperative scores.
Methods
- Prospective study of 456 patients undergoing arthroscopic labral surgery.
- Preoperative PROs collected in clinic; 2-year follow-up PROs collected via in-person (26%), online (36%), or telephone (38%).
- Outcomes assessed: mHHS, HOS-ADL, HOS-SSS, NAHS, and VAS.
Key Findings
- No difference in preoperative PROs between groups.
- Telephone follow-ups yielded significantly higher postoperative PRO scores (mHHS, HOS-ADL, HOS-SSS) compared to in-person or online methods (p < 0.01).
What Does This Mean for Providers?
- Telephone surveys may introduce a positive bias inflating postoperative PRO scores.
- Consider the mode of PRO collection when interpreting outcomes and comparing studies.
- Standardizing follow-up methods could improve accuracy in measuring surgical success.