Predictors and Themes of Perioperative Patient‐Initiated Communication in Septorhinoplasty

OBJECTIVES: Patients undergoing septorhinoplasty frequently experience perioperative concerns that prompt communication with their clinical care team. We sought to characterize the prevalence and nature of these concerns and identify variables associated with increased concern frequency. METHODS: This study was a retrospective chart review. Records were obtained for patients who underwent septorhinoplasty between August 6, 2017 and August 6, 2022. Demographics, surgical characteristics, medication histories, and details of perioperative concerns were recorded. These included any clinically-relevant communication to the surgeon or surgeon's staff initiated by the patient in the 30 days prior to and 30 days after surgery. RESULTS: A total of 306 septorhinoplasties were included in the analysis. A total of 197 patients (64%) had perioperative clinical concerns prompting contact with the office, with the majority of concerns arising postoperatively. Although not independent predictors of patient-initiated communication (PIC), patients undergoing cosmetic intervention and/or a history of allergic rhinitis had significantly higher volumes of PIC. Common reasons for preoperative patient concerns included procedural details (31%) and medication-related questions (28%). Common reasons for postoperative PIC included wound care (17%) and medication-related questions (17%). CONCLUSION: Perioperative patient concerns prompting contact with clinical staff are common among septorhinoplasty patients. Identifying the variables that contribute to these communications may guide quality improvement initiatives to enhance practices around perioperative patient care. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: N/A.