Short answer

When designing or improving medical procedures or related devices, prioritize quantifiable improvements in both functional performance and aesthetic outcomes, as these are primary drivers of user satisfaction.

Field: User-Centred Design
Source: Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (2010)
Method: Survey research
Sample: 77 participants
Evidence: Strong effect

Post-surgical patient satisfaction is significantly influenced by subjective assessments of aesthetic outcomes and functional improvements, particularly concerning the lower face. This user-centred design research insight is drawn from a 2010 study published in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. Using Survey research with 77 participants, researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: When designing or improving medical procedures or related devices, prioritize quantifiable improvements in both functional performance and aesthetic outcomes, as these are primary drivers of user satisfaction.

Study

User-Centred DesignHigh ImpactStrong effect

Patient satisfaction in orthognathic surgery is driven by perceived improvements in facial aesthetics and chewing function.

Post-surgical patient satisfaction is significantly influenced by subjective assessments of aesthetic outcomes and functional improvements, particularly concerning the lower face.

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery · 2010

Key Findings

01Postoperative satisfaction was rated highly (mean 8.13/10 on VAS).
02Patient satisfaction correlated significantly with opinions of friends and relatives.
03Both facial aesthetics and chewing function showed significant improvement from pre- to post-surgery.
04Lower SNB cephalometric angles were associated with lower overall satisfaction.
05The intention to undergo surgery for aesthetic improvement was a significant factor for many patients.

Application

Design takeaway

How to apply

In the design of any medical device or treatment, conduct thorough user research to understand the primary functional and aesthetic goals of the intended users. Incorporate feedback mechanisms to measure perceived improvements in these areas post-implementation.

Project actions

01When evaluating a design, ask users not just if it works, but if it looks good and makes their task easier or more enjoyable.
02Consider how the social perception of a product might influence a user's overall satisfaction.

Method & Evidence

AimTo identify the key variables influencing patient satisfaction and the fulfillment of expectations following orthognathic surgery.

MethodSurvey research

ProcedureA questionnaire was administered to patients one year after bimaxillary osteotomy. The survey included 11-point visual analog scale (VAS) ratings for satisfaction, yes/no questions, and an open-ended question. Cephalometric measurements were also analyzed.

Sample77 participants

ContextMedical and dental procedures (orthognathic surgery)

Variables

IV["Perceived improvement in facial aesthetics","Perceived improvement in chewing function","Opinions of friends and relatives"]

DVPatient satisfaction

CV["Type of surgery (bimaxillary osteotomy)","Class-III correction","Time elapsed since surgery (1 year)","Age and gender of participants"]

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

+Long-term follow-up (1 year post-surgery) provides a more realistic assessment of satisfaction.
+Combination of subjective ratings (VAS) and objective measurements (cephalometrics) offers a more comprehensive view.

Limitations

Self-reported satisfaction can be subjective and influenced by external factors not directly related to the design itself. The long-term impact of these factors might not be fully captured.

Reliability & validity

The use of standardized scales (VAS) and objective measurements enhances reliability. Validity is supported by the correlation of satisfaction with multiple factors and the significant pre- to post-surgery changes.

Think critically

How might the 'opinion of friends and relatives' be quantified or integrated into the design process for non-medical products?

Design Principles

"User satisfaction is a multi-faceted construct influenced by perceived functional efficacy and aesthetic appeal."

This research highlights that while surgical precision is crucial, the perceived success of a procedure is ultimately determined by the patient's experience. Designers and engineers involved in medical devices or treatments should prioritize understanding and addressing these user-centric factors to ensure positive outcomes and adoption.

What This Means for Your Design

People are happier with medical treatments when they look better and can do things (like eat) more easily afterwards, and when their friends and family notice the positive changes.

How to use in your project

1.This research can inform the user research phase of a design project by emphasizing the importance of assessing both functional and aesthetic user needs.
2.The methodology (surveys, VAS scales) can be adapted to gather user feedback on prototypes or existing designs.

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Quick Cite

Paragraph starter

This study highlights that user satisfaction with medical interventions is significantly influenced by perceived improvements in both functional performance (e.g., chewing) and aesthetic outcomes (e.g., facial appearance). This underscores the importance of a user-centered design approach that prioritizes these subjective user experiences alongside objective technical specifications.

Source

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

Perception of improvement after orthognathic surgery: the important variables affecting patient satisfaction

journal · 2010

View source

Questions About This Research

What does the research say about patient satisfaction in orthognathic surgery is driven by perceived improvements in facial aesthetics and chewing function?: When designing or improving medical procedures or related devices, prioritize quantifiable improvements in both functional performance and aesthetic outcomes, as these are primary drivers of user satisfaction. Evidence: Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (2010).
Why does "Patient satisfaction in orthognathic surgery is driven by perceived improvements in facial aesthetics and chewing function." matter for design?: This research highlights that while surgical precision is crucial, the perceived success of a procedure is ultimately determined by the patient's experience. Designers and engineers involved in medical devices or treatments should prioritize understanding and addressing these user-centric factors to ensure positive outcomes and adoption.
How can designers apply this research?: When designing or improving medical procedures or related devices, prioritize quantifiable improvements in both functional performance and aesthetic outcomes, as these are primary drivers of user satisfaction.
What were the main findings?: Postoperative satisfaction was rated highly (mean 8.13/10 on VAS).. Patient satisfaction correlated significantly with opinions of friends and relatives.. Both facial aesthetics and chewing function showed significant improvement from pre- to post-surgery.. Lower SNB cephalometric angles were associated with lower overall satisfaction.
What research method was used?: Survey research with 77 participants.
How strong is the evidence?: Evidence strength is rated Strong effect, based on a 2010 journal from Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.
What should I do differently in my next project?: In the design of any medical device or treatment, conduct thorough user research to understand the primary functional and aesthetic goals of the intended users. Incorporate feedback mechanisms to measure perceived improvements in these areas post-implementation.
What are the limitations?: The study relies on retrospective self-reported data, which can be subject to recall bias. The sample size, while adequate, may not represent all patient demographics or surgical variations.