PATIENT AWARENESS AND PREFERENCES FOR PHYSIOTHERAPY TREATMENT OF ORTHOPEDIC CONDITIONS. A CROSS-SECTIONAL SURVEY OF PHYSIOTHERAPY AND PATIENT SATISFACTION WITH GIVEN TREATMENT

Abstract

Research topic: Patient Awareness and Preferences for Physiotherapy Treatment of Musculoskeletal Conditions. A cross-sectional survey of Physiotherapy and Patient Satisfaction with Given Treatment. Background:With the increasing prevalence of orthopedic conditions due to lifestyle changes and aging populations, physiotherapy has emerged as an effective treatment modality. In cities like Rawalpindi and Islamabad, the availability of physiotherapy services is growing, yet there is limited research on patient satisfaction and the barriers that hinder the uptake of this treatment. Many patients often face financial and logistical constraints that prevent them from opting for physiotherapy despite its potential benefits. This study seeks to assess the current level of awareness about physiotherapy among orthopedic patients and evaluate their satisfaction with the treatment they receive, while also identifying factors that prevent them from seeking care. Aims and Objectives: Determine the extent of knowledge patients have about the role of physiotherapy in orthopedic conditions. Identify sources of information that patients rely on to learn about physiotherapy. Examine patients’ attitudes towards physiotherapy and its perceived outcomes in their recovery process. Assess the level of satisfaction with physiotherapy services received. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was done using a convenient sampling technique. The sample size was 384 calculated through the open EPI tool. Data was collected from June to September from the study setting Bahria International Hospital, BBH, and other orthopedic clinics. The tools used in the study were SDM-9 and a self-generated questionnaire. Data Analysis IBM SPSS 27  sheet was used to analyze the data. Results People in the age group 18 to 38 were more aware of Physical Therapy, because of their high level of education and exposure to social factors. 26.3% people consider Physical Therapy intervention as very effective. However, people did not choose Physiotherapy due to barriers they faced. Conclusion: In conclusion, the study reveals that public awareness of physiotherapy is moderate, with many patients reporting satisfaction with their treatment. However, patient involvement in treatment decisions by doctors varies, with some patients feeling consulted. Although physiotherapy is often preferred over other interventions, the high cost remains a significant barrier to accessing care.