Determine the Preference and Feedback of Patients about Treatment in Physical Therapy Out Patient Departments (OPDs)

JRCRS-2015; 3(1): 26-29

Abstract

Background:

According to WCPT “Physical therapy or physiotherapy is a health care profession that provides treatment to individuals to develop, maintain and return to maximum movement and function throughout life. This includes providing treatment in situations where movement and function are threatened by aging, injury, disease or environmental factors.”

Physical therapy is a branch of rehabilitative sciences which consists of certain exercise plans and different modalities used for treatment purposes to regain and improve physical health and activities of patients.

Objective:

Physical therapy is a renowned developing profession and improves not only the functional status but also enhances the quality of life in population with movement disorder. Its main emphasis is continuous improvement of knowledge and skills. The main purpose of this study was to determine the preference and feedback of Patients about treatment in physical therapy OPDs.

Methodology:

A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted with sample of 248 patients from different hospitals of Pakistan. A self structured questionnaire was designed and for convenience of patient it was also translated into Urdu language. The data was collected from October 2014 to March 2015.Data was analyzed using SPSS 20.

Results:

According to these results only 35.1 % patients were satisfied with physiotherapy treatment at government hospitals and majority of the patients (64.9%) wanted to take treatment from private clinics. The results indicated that (15.7%) patients were private, 26.6 % Entitled, 26.2% Panel patients and 31.5% patients were family members/friends.41.1% Patients visited OPD for less than one week 28.2% patient's visited for more than one week and 76.6% took appointment before visit. 67.7% Patients had to wait for their session. 26.6% patients received 40 minute session. 61.7% patients gave their complete history.57.7% Patients responded that the same physical therapist had given the session. 29.8% Physiotherapists were involved in giving treatment sessions to the patients 13.3% technicians, 10.5% assistants and 46.4% trainees.83.5% of patients responded that their session just included electrotherapy. 25% Patients did not get any relief. 20.6% patients got50% relief after 10 to 15 sessions and 27.8% got relief after 5 to 10 sessions.13.3 % sessions were given by physiotherapy technicians, 10.5% by physiotherapy assistants' and46.4%by physical therapy trainees and 29.8% by professional physical therapist

Conclusion:

It is concluded that majority of the patients were not satisfied by the physical therapy treatment at government hospitals and they preferred private clinics for treatment. The study also concluded that government hospitals need to increase the number of qualified physiotherapist so that patients receive proper protocols and treatment for their problems.

Keywords:

Perception, physiotherapists, physiotherapy OPDs