Patient Satisfaction with Private Physiotherapy for Musculoskeletal Pain

Despite emphasis on patient centred healthcare, healthcare professionals have been slow to use validated measurements of patient satisfaction in physiotherapy practice. This cross sectional survey measured patient satisfaction with private physiotherapy in Ireland, for patients with musculoskeletal pain, using a multidimensional patient satisfaction questionnaire (PTOPS). The 'PTOPS' questionnaire categorised and scored satisfaction items under four domains, Enhancer, Detractor, Location and Cost. 55% (n = 131/240) of questionnaires were returned. The most common site of musculoskeletal pain was spinal (51.5% n = 66) and the mean (SD) number of treatments attended was 8.3 (8.3), at a mean total cost (SD) of €350.2 (€322.8). Overall satisfaction with physiotherapy experience was scored on a five-point scale "excellent to poor", with a modal response of "Very Good" (42%; n = 55). Results demonstrated high levels of satisfaction with all components of physiotherapy treatment, except cost, and provided valuable patient feedback regarding their physiotherapy treatment for musculoskeletal pain.