Why Don’t Doctors Measure Patient Joy More Often?
When we visit the doctor, we’re often handed a clipboard and asked to rate our “satisfaction.” But shouldn’t we expect more than just satisfaction from such a profound experience? The doctor-patient relationship is sacred, as old as human history itself—a bond built on trust, care, and sometimes even shared laughter. It’s more than a transactional exchange; it has the potential to bring real joy. So why don’t we measure that instead?
In my work as a hand surgeon, I’ve begun to explore this question. Traditional metrics like satisfaction feel too clinical, too detached from the human element of healing. In two published studies on wide-awake hand surgery performed in office settings, I took a different approach: I measured patient joy. The findings were eye-opening. Patients undergoing procedures under local anesthesia—many of whom started out anxious—reported remarkable levels of enjoyment when paired with immersive virtual reality (VR) experiences during surgery.
Picture this: instead of staring at a sterile ceiling, patients join me in a virtual world, watching amazing experiences or interactive stories unfold as I work. We talk and laugh together about the show, which I can also watch on a screen as I work. The immersive VR doesn’t just distract—it transforms the experience. Those most nervous at the outset often ended up the most delighted, laughing or marveling at the technology mid-procedure. It’s a stark contrast to the cold, impersonal surveys we’re used to.
This shift matters. Joy isn’t just a feel-good bonus; it’s a signal of deeper connection, reduced stress, and better recovery. Medicine has long focused on outcomes like pain or complications—vital, yes—but what if we also prioritized the emotional journey? The doctor-patient relationship deserves that depth. My hope is that more physicians will start measuring joy, not just satisfaction, to honor the full humanity of those we serve. After all, healing should lift the spirit, not just mend the body.
My publications included randomized trials and hundreds of patients:
