(0107) Identifying Factors That Impact Selection of an Otolaryngologist

Introduction: The factors influencing a patient’s choice of an otolaryngologist (OTO) remain unexplored. Our aim was to identify key factors and variations in selecting an OTO between two geographically distinct practices in the United States.

Methods: Two cross-sectional surveys were conducted from March-June 2023: one in a New York (NY) otolaryngology clinic and the other in a Nevada (NV) otolaryngology clinic. Respondents provided demographic data and 22 Likert ratings on a 10-point scale for factors influencing their choice of an OTO. Comparisons were made using nonparametric methods, with a significance level set at p < 0.001.

Results: A total of 599 patients participated: 300 (50.1%) in NY (n = 151, 50.5% female; n = 148, 49.5% male), and 299 (49.9%) in NV (n = 202, 67.6% female; n = 97, 32.4% male), with a significant gender difference between locations (p < 0.001). Both locations had a majority of patients aged 25-40 (NY: n =149, 49.8%; NV: n =180, 60%). Most participants were college graduates (n = 456, 76.8%).

NY and NV patients significantly differed in several ratings. NY patients assigned more influence to OTO years of experience (p < 0.001), appointment availability (p < 0.001), hospital/group reputation (p < 0.001), ease of office parking (p < 0.001), and quality of facilities (p < 0.001). NV patients assigned more influence to OTO expression of using new surgical technologies/techniques (p < 0.001) and the patient's ability to see OTO-performed exams (e.g., scope, p < 0.001).

The most influential factor in choosing an OTO across both locations was the OTO’s explanation of diagnosis and treatment options (average score 9.4), followed by the OTO’s ability to grasp the patient’s problem (average score 9.1) and the OTO’s professionalism (average score 8.7). OTO gender was ranked lowest in importance (average score 0.7), followed by an OTO’s social media presence (average score 0.8).

Conclusions: Patients feel that they primarily choose an otolaryngologist based on clinical abilities and communication skills. However, differences exist in other important factors among patients in different practices.