Surgeon confidence in an outpatient setting.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: We have the impression that provider uncertainty arises from either nonspecific pathology or disproportionate symptoms and disability, both of which correlate with symptoms of depression, heightened illness concern, and low patient self-efficacy. This study tested the primary null hypothesis that there is no correlation between provider confidence and patient self-efficacy. METHODS: Eighty-five patients visiting an orthopedic hand and upper extremity surgeon completed the Pain Self-Efficacy Questionnaire (PSEQ). The surgeon's confidence in the diagnosis, optimal treatment, expected outcome, and the anticipated satisfaction of the patient and the referring doctor were measured with five questions rated on 5-point Likert scales (Physician Confidence Scale). RESULTS: Overall physician confidence was high and there was no correlation between the PSEQ score and the Physician Confidence Scale. Provider confidence was significantly lower for nonspecific diagnoses, but there was no significant difference between the mean PSEQ for the 72 patients with a specific diagnosis and the 12 patients with nonspecific diagnoses. CONCLUSIONS: Physician confidence did not relate with self-efficacy in this study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Prognostic, level II.