Factors associated with early postoperative survey completion in orthopaedic surgery patients

Abstract Purpose To determine factors associated with survey compliance 2-weeks postoperatively. Methods 1269 patients age 17-years and older participating in the Maryland Orthopaedic Registry from August 2015–March 2018 were administered a baseline questionnaire preoperatively and emailed a follow-up questionnaire 10-days postoperatively. Demographics were self-reported and medical records reviewed for relevant medical history. Results 609 patients (48.0%) completed both the baseline and 2-week surveys. A decreased likelihood of 2-week survey completion was seen in patients who identified as black, smokers, patients without a college education, patients who were unmarried, unemployed, had a lower income, or covered by government-sponsored insurance (p  Conclusion Several demographic and preoperative variables are associated with survey completion 2-weeks post-orthopaedic surgery. The results provide insight into patient populations that may be targeted in order to assure higher survey compliance and improve analysis of patient-reported outcomes.