A new study by New York City-based Hospital of Special Surgery found that Black patients were less likely than white patients to be completely satisfied after undergoing a hip or knee replacement.
Researchers analyzed survey responses from more than 4,600 patients who had surgery at HSS from July 2010 to February 2012. Patients were asked after their surgeries to rate their experiences as "completely satisfied" or "not completely satisfied."
The study results show Black patients were more likely to indicate they were not completely satisfied with the process of care right after surgery, but their satisfaction did not differ with the outcome of their surgeries. Patients' primary payer was not associated with satisfaction, suggesting patients' socioeconomic status did not play a role.
Susan Goodman, MD, a senior investigator for the study, said more research is needed to understand disparities in patient experience.