245 Factors Associated with Patients Selection of Intracranial Tumor-Focused Neurosurgeons

INTRODUCTION: Studies investigating the factors influencing intracranial tumor patients’ choice of neurosurgeon are currently lacking. METHODS: All living patients from January 1st, 2023-January 31st, 2024 who underwent intracranial tumor resection at a single institution were emailed a Qualtrics survey with 14 standardized factors to be ranked on a 5-point Likert Scale based on importance. Completed responses were collected, and medical records of patients were retrospectively reviewed. Mean and standard deviation scores for each factor were calculated. Ordinal logistic regression was computed for each factor via each demographic variable. RESULTS: Fifty completed survey responses were collected. The mean age was 54.2±13.8 years old, 54% were female, 70% were white, and 70% had private insurance. Common tumors included meningioma (26%), glioblastoma (14%), schwannoma (12%), pituitary adenoma (8%), and astrocytoma (8%). On Likert scale, surgeon caseload and reported experience with a particular procedure (4.6±0.7) were the most important factors influencing patients’ choice of neurosurgeon. Overall hospital ranking was second (4.5±0.7), followed by years of experience (4.4±0.8) and personal characteristics (4.2±1.14). Word of mouth from family and friends, surgeon age, and social media presence were among the least important characteristics while selecting a neurosurgeon. Medical school prestige was less likely to be valued by older patients (OR:0.92, 95%CI: 0.84-0.99), non-Caucasians (OR:0.24, 95%CI: 0.07-0.7), ethnic minorities (OR:0.009, 95%CI: 0.01-0.18), and married patients (OR: 0.29, 95%CI: 0.001-0.32). Word of mouth was ranked highly by non-Caucasians (OR: 1.65, 95% CI: 1.06- 2.56), and received less importance among patients who had undergone a second surgery (OR:0.33, 95%CI:0.14-0.76). CONCLUSIONS: Patients highly value neurosurgeons’ experience, hospital affiliation, and personal characteristics. These findings have a wide range of implications, including resource allocation, marketing strategies, and understanding barriers to care in underserved populations.