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Background <p>Choosing an orthopedic surgeon is a pivotal decision shaped by clinical competence and multiple non-clinical influences. While surgical expertise and outcomes are fundamental considerations, patients and their families also weigh communication quality, cultural alignment, institutional reputation, financial constraints, and increasingly, digital information sources. Understanding these determinants is crucial to delivering patient-centered orthopedic care.</p> Methods <p>A scoping review was conducted following Arksey and O’Malley’s framework and reported in accordance with PRISMA-ScR guidelines. PubMed, Scopus, and Embase were systematically searched for English-language studies published between January 2000 and March 2024 that explored personal, social, institutional, financial, cultural, psychological, or digital factors influencing surgeon selection. Eligible designs included qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods studies. Two reviewers independently screened records, extracted data using a standardized form, and synthesized findings narratively across thematic domains.</p> Results <p>Of 1,245 records identified, 26 studies met the inclusion criteria. Six thematic domains emerged: (1) surgeon-specific attributes such as experience, certification, empathy, and gender; (2) referral networks and peer recommendations; (3) institutional reputation and perceived care quality; (4) financial and insurance constraints; (5) digital influences including online reviews and social media; and (6) familial and cultural dynamics. Surgeon experience and interpersonal communication were consistently prioritized, while referral pathways strongly guided decision-making. Financial and geographic barriers limited choice, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Digital platforms increasingly shaped perceptions, though concerns about reliability persisted. Family members often dominated decision-making in collectivist societies.</p> Conclusion <p>Patients’ and families’ choices of orthopedic surgeons are multifactorial, reflecting an interplay of technical expertise, relational trust, financial considerations, cultural context, and digital engagement. Enhancing transparency, fostering culturally sensitive communication, addressing systemic and financial barriers, and improving the reliability of digital resources can better support informed, equitable, and patient-centered surgical decision-making.</p>

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Decision-Making in the Choice of Orthopedic Surgeons for Surgery from a Patient and Family Perspective—A Scoping Review

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年5月7日

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  • Sudip Bhattacharya,
  • Vishal Kumar,
  • Richa,
  • Vikash Raj,
  • Sitanshu Barik

摘要

Background

Choosing an orthopedic surgeon is a pivotal decision shaped by clinical competence and multiple non-clinical influences. While surgical expertise and outcomes are fundamental considerations, patients and their families also weigh communication quality, cultural alignment, institutional reputation, financial constraints, and increasingly, digital information sources. Understanding these determinants is crucial to delivering patient-centered orthopedic care.

Methods

A scoping review was conducted following Arksey and O’Malley’s framework and reported in accordance with PRISMA-ScR guidelines. PubMed, Scopus, and Embase were systematically searched for English-language studies published between January 2000 and March 2024 that explored personal, social, institutional, financial, cultural, psychological, or digital factors influencing surgeon selection. Eligible designs included qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods studies. Two reviewers independently screened records, extracted data using a standardized form, and synthesized findings narratively across thematic domains.

Results

Of 1,245 records identified, 26 studies met the inclusion criteria. Six thematic domains emerged: (1) surgeon-specific attributes such as experience, certification, empathy, and gender; (2) referral networks and peer recommendations; (3) institutional reputation and perceived care quality; (4) financial and insurance constraints; (5) digital influences including online reviews and social media; and (6) familial and cultural dynamics. Surgeon experience and interpersonal communication were consistently prioritized, while referral pathways strongly guided decision-making. Financial and geographic barriers limited choice, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Digital platforms increasingly shaped perceptions, though concerns about reliability persisted. Family members often dominated decision-making in collectivist societies.

Conclusion

Patients’ and families’ choices of orthopedic surgeons are multifactorial, reflecting an interplay of technical expertise, relational trust, financial considerations, cultural context, and digital engagement. Enhancing transparency, fostering culturally sensitive communication, addressing systemic and financial barriers, and improving the reliability of digital resources can better support informed, equitable, and patient-centered surgical decision-making.