Patients Undergoing Shoulder Surgery Demonstrate High Interest in Perioperative Nutrition but Limited Confidence in Implementation

INTRODUCTION: Proper nutrition is a well-established variable in recovery from orthopaedic surgery. The purpose of this study was to explore patient perception of preoperative nutrition before elective shoulder surgery. We hypothesized that patients have a positive attitude toward preoperative nutrition, with interest in receiving nutritional guidance from their healthcare provider. METHODS: A prospective survey study of 100 patients scheduled for elective shoulder surgery was conducted. All surveys were completed in the preoperative period, with questions designed to evaluate a patient's knowledge and perceptions regarding nutrition, as it relates to their recovery. Survey questions assessed (1) how patients perceive their personal daily nutrition, (2) the importance of quality nutrition with respect to postoperative recovery, and (3) their ability to self-implement nutrition strategies and/or those provided to them. RESULTS: The majority of surveyed patients (n = 80; 80%) agreed that nutrition is an important part of recovering from orthopaedic shoulder surgery, with most patients (n = 77; 77%) supporting the idea that a formal preoperative nutrition plan would help contribute to postoperative recovery. However, only 40 patients (40%) believed that they understood which foods to eat, 28 (28%) believed that they knew which supplements to take, and 46 (46%) planned to take supplements without instruction. Family support was found to be associated with patient confidence in (P = 0.003) and adherence to (P = 0.023) a preoperative nutrition plan. CONCLUSION: This study found that there is a clear disconnect between patient perspectives and practical knowledge when it comes to perioperative nutrition before shoulder surgery. Nevertheless, most patients display a positive attitude toward following a nutrition plan if provided by a healthcare provider, and if family support is present. These data indicate the need for established perioperative nutrition plans to aid in effectively optimizing patient nutrition before elective shoulder surgery.