Patients' Ideas, Concerns, Expectations in Physiotherapy: A Questionnaire Study

Global healthcare is targeting patient-centred care, as it leads to better health outcomes and higher level of patient satisfaction. Patient-centred communication, is an important part of patient-centred care because it focuses on involving patients in their care. Recent surveys both nationally and globally have shown that patients are not involved enough in their own healthcare decisions. This problem is especially common among the elderly with chronic conditions. This study aimed to describe patient-healthcare professional interactions, expectations, and satisfaction in physiotherapy within an understudied context, thereby providing important, specific data on ICE dynamics and satisfaction in the specific setting. Cross-sectional study of participants in scheduled consultations was conducted. Two government physiotherapy centres, seven private physiotherapy centres and two trust centres with physiotherapy facilities in Gujarat, India. 232 patients (from various public and private physiotherapy clinics) participated in the study. Patients' ideas, concerns, expectations (ICE) and satisfaction were explored. Almost 88% of patients reported their thoughts and explanations about their symptoms during the consultation. Most patients described not having any concerns about the diagnosis/treatment, and more than two-third of patients consulting PTs expected explanation for their symptoms. Almost 90% patients were satisfied with the consultation. The study revealed that while most patients conveyed their thoughts during consultations, very few expressed their concerns. Overall, patients were satisfied with their consultations.