• Ching-Yi Lee, Ching-Hsin Lee, Hung-Yi Lai, and Sze-Yuen Yau.
• Department of Neurosurgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital Linkou Main Branch and School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
• World Neurosurg. 2024 Jun 1; 186: 434943-49.

ObjectiveTo investigate the influence of gender on patient preferences during the selection of neurosurgeons.MethodsA mixed-method, cross-sectional study was conducted at Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital in Taiwan, involving 60 patients. The study encompassed both structured questionnaires and in-depth interviews, administered postpatient-surgeon interactions to assess the nuanced effect of surgeon gender on patient choice. A balanced representation of both genders was ensured among the neurosurgeons involved. Thematic analysis was employed for textual data, while numeric data were analyzed using descriptive and Chi-square statistics.ResultsThe majority of participants (n = 40, 66.7%) expressed no preference regarding the gender of their neurosurgeon during outpatient consultations. Nonetheless, a notable fraction, predominantly female, preferred female neurosurgeons (n = 20, 33.3%). Statistical analysis highlighted a significant correlation between the gender of the patients and their preferred neurosurgeon's gender, with female patients predominantly favouring female neurosurgeons (P < 0.05). Qualitative insights indicate that, although professional skill and experience are primary factors in selecting a neurosurgeon, a latent gender preference exists, influenced by perceived privacy, empathetic care, and the surgical finesse associated with female neurosurgeons.ConclusionsAlthough expertise and professionalism are of paramount importance, there is a clear preference for female neurosurgeons, especially among female patients. These findings underscore the importance of recognizing and accommodating patients' preferences to ensure neurosurgical care aligns with patient comfort, expectations, and the broader movement towards gender equality.Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

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