The Impact of Augmented Reality Technology and Preoperative Planning on Patient Satisfaction and Perceptions After Shoulder Arthroplasty

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In a presentation from the ISTA 2024 conference held in Nashville, Aghdas Movassaghi, a rising fourth-year student from Michigan, discusses her research on the impact of technology on patient satisfaction and perceptions following shoulder arthroplasty. Aghdas began by highlighting the significant challenges associated with shoulder arthroplasty, particularly concerning complication rates, which can be as high as 30%. She emphasized the ongoing search for technologies to enhance the efficiency and outcomes of these procedures, mentioning innovations such as computer navigation, 3D pre-operative planning, and augmented reality.



Interestingly, while existing research has focused extensively on how surgeons use these technologies in the operating room, Aghdas points out that little attention has been given to patients' perceptions and understanding of these technologies during their surgeries. The primary aim of her study was to gauge patient attitudes towards these innovations, confidence in their surgeons' abilities using them, and the effect of educational resources on patient outcomes following shoulder arthroplasty.



Her study involved surveying 80 patients who underwent shoulder arthroplasties between 2022 and 2024, measuring their knowledge, confidence levels, and outcomes before and after watching an educational video about the technologies used in their surgeries. The results indicated a notable trend: even though most patients were initially unfamiliar with the intended technologies, a significant majority reported increased confidence once they learned that their surgeons would utilize these advancements in their procedures.



Furthermore, the findings revealed that patients who received adequate education showed enhanced perceptions of anticipated outcomes, reduced complications, and improved recovery times. Agnes concluded that educating patients about the technologies applied in their surgeries could markedly influence their expectations and satisfaction. This valuable insight encourages surgeons to proactively inform their patients, potentially improving their surgical experiences and satisfaction levels moving forward.

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