title: Surgeon confidence in an outpatient setting.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  We have the impression that provider uncertainty arises from either nonspecific pathology or disproportionate symptoms and disability, both of which correlate with symptoms of depression, heightened illness concern, and low patient self-efficacy. This study tested the primary null hypothesis that there is no correlation between provider confidence and patient self-efficacy.
  
  
  METHODS
  Eighty-five patients visiting an orthopedic hand and upper extremity surgeon completed the Pain Self-Efficacy Questionnaire (PSEQ). The surgeon's confidence in the diagnosis, optimal treatment, expected outcome, and the anticipated satisfaction of the patient and the referring doctor were measured with five questions rated on 5-point Likert scales (Physician Confidence Scale).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Overall physician confidence was high and there was no correlation between the PSEQ score and the Physician Confidence Scale. Provider confidence was significantly lower for nonspecific diagnoses, but there was no significant difference between the mean PSEQ for the 72 patients with a specific diagnosis and the 12 patients with nonspecific diagnoses.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Physician confidence did not relate with self-efficacy in this study.
  
  
  METHODS
  Prognostic, level II.
authors.affiliation: Orthopaedic Hand and Upper Extremity Service, Massachusetts General Hospital, Yawkey Center, Suite 2100, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114 USA.
authors.forename: Michiel G J S
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: Hageman
authors.affiliation: Orthopaedic Hand and Upper Extremity Service, Massachusetts General Hospital, Yawkey Center, Suite 2100, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114 USA.
authors.forename: Jeroen K J
authors.initials: JK
authors.lastname: Bossen
authors.affiliation: Orthopaedic Hand and Upper Extremity Service, Massachusetts General Hospital, Yawkey Center, Suite 2100, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114 USA.
authors.forename: John D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: King
authors.affiliation: Orthopaedic Hand and Upper Extremity Service, Massachusetts General Hospital, Yawkey Center, Suite 2100, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114 USA.
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Ring
keywords: Patient confidence; Physician confidence; Self-efficacy; Specific and nonspecific diagnosis