Level of Patient Satisfaction with Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy Care in Lahore

Patient Satisfaction with Physiotherapy Care

Abstract

Background: The evaluation of the quality of care is complex, and patient satisfaction is seen as a crucial component. Over the past three decades, studies into patient satisfaction with care have steadily increased across a variety of specialties, whereas there have not been many studies into patient satisfaction with physiotherapy. Objective: To evaluate the level of patient satisfaction with musculoskeletal physiotherapy care provided by physical therapy departments of different hospitals in Lahore. Methods: This cross-sectional study used information from 74 patients from physical therapy departments of hospitals in Lahore city. Non-probability convenient sampling technique was used. Both male and female patients, aged 18 years or more, with complaints of musculoskeletal disorders were included in this study. However, this study excluded any patients who had neurological issues or mentally and physically challenged patients as well. Twelve questions from the MedRisk instrument for measuring patient satisfaction²⁰ which assesses the quality of care given to the participants. Results were analyzed after the process of data collection using SPSS version 20. The quantitative variables were measured using the mean and standard deviation whereas the qualitative variables were evaluated using numbers and proportions. Results: Out of 74 participants, 56 were men and 18 were women. About 56.2% of them were married as compared to 40.5% who were single. The satisfaction rate was quite high; 75.5% of respondents thought the receptionist was polite, 74.3% thought the registration process was simple, and 79.8% were pleased with the way their therapist had treated them, while the overall satisfaction rate, which was 31.1%, was not great. The final score was 2.33 out of 5, with 5 representing the highest level of satisfaction and 1 the lowest. In addition to this, the analysis also revealed that while only 4.1% disagreed, 74.3% thought the registration process was simple and appropriate.  Conclusion: The findings of the study suggest that patient satisfaction levels are moderately high. Physical therapists who do not give their patients enough time seem to be less popular with patients.