Impact of Surgeon Verbal Communication in the First Visit on Patients' Perception of Surgeon and Their Satisfaction: A Randomized Trial of Two Approaches, Detailed vs Brief Verbal Patient Education

A closer look at the existing research reveals a gap—most studies of surgeon-patient communication rely heavily on qualitative, observational data. These studies, while providing valuable insights, may lack the in-depth and detailed quantitative analysis necessary to deeply understand the impact of different communication strategies on patient perception and satisfaction. Therefore, this study aims to fill this gap by conducting a randomized trial to compare the effects of detailed and brief verbal patient education on patient perception and satisfaction, providing further data-driven insights to enhance early surgeon-patient interactions and improve overall outcomes in arthroplasty. .

Clinical trial with control group, single-blind, randomized, on 160 patients. an online website was used for randomization.

The location of the knee joint replacement orthopedic clinic is Imam Hospital. In this study, only the analyst and the researcher are blinded. Group A: detailed verbal education They are given a pamphlet drawn from NHS knee replacement training material. This session will last between 25 and 30 minutes. Group B: short verbal training to the patient The patients of this group were given a brief overview of the arthroplasty procedure focusing on key points. Patients also receive the above pamphlet. This session will last between 5-10 minutes

- Clients of knee and hip joint replacement clinic Inability to understand explanations - The patient's first visit with the relevant doctor hearing problem - Age over 18 years Lack of understanding of Persian language

`- brief verbal patient education - detailed verbal patient education

patients satisfaction of their surgeon reliability, competencey, and professionalism of the surgeon

Simple Randomization In this study, simple randomization is employed. Each participant is independently and randomly assigned to one of the two intervention groups: detailed training (Group A) or brief training (Group B). This is achieved using a computer-generated sequence. Unit of Randomization Individual The unit of randomization in this study is individual, meaning each person is assigned separately to one of the groups. Randomization Tools Computer-Generated Sequence A computer software is used to generate a random sequence, which is utilized to assign participants to one of the two intervention groups. Sealed Envelopes Allocation is concealed using sealed, opaque envelopes. These envelopes contain the group assignment and are opened by the surgeon immediately before consultation. This method ensures the concealment of the allocation and prevents potential biases. Explanation of Allocation Concealment Allocation concealment means that the order of assigning participants to groups is hidden until the participants enter the study. In this study, sealed, opaque envelopes are used to keep the allocation unknown before the consultation. The surgeon opens the envelopes just before the consultation, ensuring no bias influences the randomization process, thus maintaining the integrity of the randomization method. Study Randomization Process "Participants were randomized into one of two intervention groups using a computer-generated sequence: detailed training (Group A) or brief training (Group B). Allocation was concealed using sealed, opaque envelopes, which the surgeon opened immediately before the consultation, ensuring a flawless randomization method."

In our study, to minimize bias and increase the accuracy of the results, only certain individuals have been blinded. Specifically: Principal Investigator: The principal investigator, who is responsible for managing and supervising the study, is blinded to the allocation of participants to different groups (e.g., treatment and placebo groups). This helps prevent any bias in the selection and allocation process. Outcome Assessor: The person responsible for evaluating the outcomes and results of the study is blinded to the group allocations of the participants. This measure is taken to avoid any bias in outcome assessment. Data Analyst: The individual or team analyzing the collected data is also blinded to the group allocations of participants. This ensures an impartial and accurate analysis of the data. In this study, the surgeon and the patient are not blinded.

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