Patient Perceptions of Surgeon-Industry Relations in a Military Setting

Background: Investigations into the financial relationships between orthopedic surgeons and device manufacturers have recently been investigated. Despite these investigations, the public appears to maintain trust and confidence that their surgeons are acting in patients' best interest. However, patient perceptions of these relationships have not been investigated in a military treatment setting. We surveyed patients' perception of the surgeon-industry relationship in a single military treatment facility. Methods: From March 2012 to March 2013, we surveyed 282 preoperative and postoperative spine and arthroplasty patients in a single military treatment facility. Patients were eligible if they were adult TRICARE beneficiaries being followed in one of those clinics and within the age requirements. Results: Most patients were aware of private industry involvement in the manufacture of orthopedic implants (77%). Most patients thought that it was beneficial for surgeons to serve in an advisory role to device companies (81%) and most (65%) felt that the relationship was appropriate and beneficial for patient care. A minority (29%) felt their surgeon should receive payment for this role. Conclusion: Most patients in the military setting had a positive view of the relationship that their surgeons had with industry, which is reflective of data obtained in the civilian literature.