Determinants of Patients’ Satisfaction with Musculoskeletal Dysfunction and Stroke Physiotherapy Health Care: Community-Based Evidence

Abstract

Background: Patients’ satisfaction is an individualistic construct that has overbearing role in physiotherapy service delivery. Evenlthough physiotherapy is under public health services in Ghana, there was no information about patients’ satisfaction at the community level.
Objective: This study aimed to assess the factors that determine patients’ satisfaction with physiotherapy health care delivery in a community setting in Ghana.
Materials and Methodology: 299 patients with severe musculoskeletal dysfunction (190, 63.5%), stroke (109, 36.5%), and observed under physiotherapy health care for at least three months were recruited for the study. The samples had mean age of 53.9±10.2years, mostly females (57.2%) and married (59.5%). Modified SERVQUAL questionnaire was used as tool for data collection.
Results: Majority of the patients (96.0%) were ‘at least satisfied’ with physiotherapy care. The hierarchy of determinants was neatness and cleanliness of treatment area (98.3%); kindness, caring and courteousness (96.0%); consideration for privacy, dignity and comfort during care (91.4%); provision of adequate instructions regarding treatment (79.3%); involvement in decisions on care (71.4%) and involvement in treatment plans (68.45). Age (P=0.010) and personal factors (P =0.001) significantly determined patients’ satisfaction with physiotherapy health care.
Conclusion:  The study provides insight and evidence into community-based physiotherapy service delivery as veritable avenue to meet regenerative health care. Determinants with pecuniary advantages should be used prominently while those with challenges should be given educational orientation for sustainable satisfaction.

Key words: Community–Based, Patients’ satisfaction, Physiotherapy care, Ghana