115 family members waiting for individuals during orthopaedic surgery were randomized to either a communication pathway group or a control pathway group. The communication pathway group was given standardized updates at three points during the case, while the control pathway group was given only one update by the surgeon near the end of the case. Family members completed a survey on satisfaction and anxiety postoperatively. Despite no significant difference in satisfaction scores between groups, those allocated with the communication pathway group reported significantly lower anxiety scores compared to the control pathway group.