Surgical Decision Making Among Black Adults With Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

What are the factors associated with surgical decisions among Black individuals with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS)?In this qualitative study including 28 Black participants with CTS, severity and persistence of symptoms were major drivers of action. Participants placed high value on social and cultural influences and demonstrated increased trust and decreased anxiety when patient-clinician racial concordance was present; economic insecurity and concerns about the financial impact of surgery were also associated with decision-making.These findings suggest that the decision for surgery extends beyond the diagnosis and that improving workforce diversity and integrating a culturally responsive, shared decision-making model can improve equity in the treatment of Black patients with CTS.

Corresponding Author: Rachel C. Hooper, MD, Section of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Michigan Medical School, 1500 E Medical Center Dr, TC 2130, Ann Arbor, MI 48109 (hooperra@med.umich.edu).

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