Utilization Of Physiotherapy Services Research Articles

Factors influencing utilization of physiotherapy services by health care providers at Busia County Referral Hospital in Kenya

BackgroundThe surging trend of noncommunicable diseases complicated by trauma and infectious diseases has left many with marked physical limitations. Physiotherapy component of primary health care could be utilized for management of both communicable and noncommunicable diseases to restore physical functions.ObjectivesTo establish the health care providers’ level of knowledge and factors that influence the utilization of physiotherapy services among community members of Busia County in Kenya. The association between level of knowledge and demographic profile of health care providers at BCRH was also established.MethodDescriptive cross-sectional quantitative study involved 192 participants (nurses, doctors, and clinical officers) who were purposively selected. They completed self-administered questionnaire between August and November 2019. They were both sexes above 18 years of age, drawn from Busia County Referral Hospital. Data was analysed by Microsoft Excel and SPSS version 25.ResultsThe majority (92%) of the health care service providers had adequate knowledge about physiotherapy from their training to working with likelihood ratio chi-square of 7.714 with p-value at 0.01 at 5% level of significant. They had excellent communication (86.03%) with physiotherapists and helped to refer patients at BCRH for physiotherapy (χ2 = 52.02 and p-value = 0.01) at 5% level of significant. They had trust (91.56%) that physiotherapists were knowledgeable enough to handle patients on their own.ConclusionThe health care service providers are knowledgeable about the importance of physiotherapy and have supported its utilization. However, there is need to integrate physiotherapy service at all levels of training and practice of the components of primary health care. This will lead to a holistic patient’s care in terms of preventive, curative, and rehabilitative. Quality of life for the community members will be enhanced for appropriate functionality to meet the population needs. Lower utilization of physiotherapy services in Busia County could be due to factors associated with dynamics within the community and the health care service providers.

Knowledge and Beliefs Regarding Physiotherapy among General Population: An Exploratory Cross-Sectional Survey

Physiotherapy is an established health-care profession that assists individuals in maintaining, improving, and restoring body functions to live a disability-free life. Lack of education and awareness among the general population may affect the use of physiotherapy care. At large, awareness and beliefs affect the autonomy, growth, and utilization of physiotherapy services. Therefore, a cross-sectional survey of the general population was conducted to investigate knowledge and beliefs. The survey yielded a total of 138 responses. The survey consisted of three sections: introduction, essential information, and questions related to knowledge and beliefs about physiotherapy (PT) practice. The majority of the respondents were aware of physiotherapy (87%). A low level of awareness was found about consulting a physiotherapist as the first contact practitioner; 69% (n = 95) of respondents said they needed a referral for physiotherapy services. Most study participants, 87% (n = 120), lacked awareness of various specialties in physiotherapy. Some prevailing beliefs were identified within the population, with 88% (n = 122) holding the notion that “physiotherapy is always painful.” In addition, most respondents expressed that physiotherapy services are crucial for patients in the intensive care unit. Although the study participants were aware of the term physiotherapy, many other domains related to physiotherapy need to be highlighted, and the public needs to be informed about the scope of physiotherapy practice and its role in the health-care system.

Physiotherapy practice in women’s health: awareness and attitudes of obstetricians and gynecologists in Ghana

BackgroundPhysiotherapy is relatively well integrated into women’s health in many high-income countries (HICs) as compared to low- and middle- countries (LMICs) like Ghana. Suboptimal integration of physiotherapy in modern obstetrics and gynecology especially in low resource settings is partly due to issues related to the awareness and attitudes of referring physicians. This study assessed the awareness and attitude levels towards physiotherapy in women’s health among obstetricians/gynecologists and factors associated with its utilization in Ghana.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among obstetricians/gynecologists working at a tertiary hospital in Ghana using an “Awareness and Attitude Questionnaire” adapted from a standardized questionnaire. Chi-square test or Fisher exact test was performed and logistic regression was used to assess the association between doctors’ awareness level of physiotherapy’s role in women’s health and years of clinical practice.ResultsSixty-one (61) respondents comprising 7 consultants, 20 senior residents and 34 junior residents, with age median age of 35 years (range: 29–65 years) were recruited. There were more males than females (82% versus 18%) with a mean (SD) duration of practice of (9.41 ± 4.71) years. The participants reported a considerable awareness of physiotherapists’ role in obstetrics (between 72.1% for intrapartum to 91.8% for postnatal) but wide variation in gynecology (from 19.7% in PID to 95. 1% in uterine prolapse). Consultants were more (71.4%) aware of the role of physiotherapy in antenatal care and gynecology while senior residents had more awareness in intrapartum and postnatal care. Junior residents generally showed lowest awareness levels. Duration of clinical practice (≥ 10years) was not significantly associated with doctors’ awareness regarding the importance of physiotherapy in childbirth. There were mixed findings concerning doctors’ attitudes toward physiotherapy: (1) 41% indicated that physiotherapists have been effective in their inter-professional relationship; (2) none of the doctors strongly agreed that physiotherapy may not contribute significantly to the complete well-being of gynecological patients. The main factors influencing utilization of physiotherapy were the perceived notion of non-availability of physiotherapists to cover various wards and physiotherapists not attending ward rounds with doctors to facilitate more education on the scope of physiotherapy practice.ConclusionAlthough obstetricians/gynecologists showed appreciable awareness and attitudes towards physiotherapy, there remains a considerable gap in provider education to ensure optimal utilization of physiotherapy in contemporary obstetrics and gynecology. Further research is recommended to assess implementation challenges associated with regular utilization of physiotherapy services in women’s health in the hospital.

Awareness and utilization of physiotherapy services in management of people living with HIV among health care workers

Background: Physiotherapy is one of multidisciplinary teams that has demonstrated efficacy in HIV care/management. Irrespective of the evidence established on the efficacy of physiotherapy intervention on HIV management, there seem to be poor utilization of physiotherapy services by PLWHA. The aim of this study is to assess the healthcare providers’ awareness on the role of physiotherapy in HIV management and the possible factors affecting the utilization of services by the healthcare providers.
 Methods: The study is a cross-sectional descriptive study. Ethical approval was obtained from the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital Health Research Ethics Committee Ituku-Ozalla (UNTH). A self-structured 20-item questionnaire was distributed to 75 healthcare providers (56 females and 19 males) working within Enugu metropolis. Data were summarized with descriptive statistics of frequency and percentages. 
 Results: Majority perceived physiotherapist not knowledgeable in the management of HIV 49(65%) and PLWHA uninformed on the role of Physiotherapy in their management 68(91%). Also, majority of the respondent perceived been ignorant of the type of physiotherapy services available in HIV management role affected its utilization 55(75%) and attributed poor awareness creation by physiotherapists 57(76%) as a limiting factor.
 Conclusions: Poor awareness creation by physiotherapist for PLWHA among Healthcare providers, poor knowledge of the healthcare providers regarding the physiotherapy care available in HIV management are major barriers to utilization of physiotherapy services in HIV management.

Awareness, Belief, Attitude and Utilization of Physiotherapy Services Among Doctors

Physiotherapy has come to be recognized as a well-known form of medical care that reduces patients' dependency and level of disability. Physiotherapists play an important part in community rehabilitation and health education because of the role physiotherapy plays in reducing the incidence and severity of disability. Objectives: To determine about the awareness of belief and attitude towards the utilization of physiotherapy services and interventions among doctors in selected hospitals of Lahore. Methods: The study design was Descriptive cross sectional. Total 150 doctors participated in this research from Arif Memorial Hospital, Mayo Hospital, Farooq Hospital and Ghurki Hospital. Results: There were 134 MBBS doctors and 16 FCPS doctors aged between 25 to 40 years and having 2 to 10 years of clinical experience. 58% of the study population were female doctors while 42% were male doctors. According to the study, medical doctors' perceptions regarding the profession of physiotherapy were moderately negative. This analysis also revealed some significant elements that might have had a negative impact on the degree of usage of physiotherapy treatments. Conclusions: Overall, this study showed that clinical doctors' attitudes toward the physiotherapy profession were generally negative. Some important potential factors were also identified that might have had a negative impact or limited the extent to which physiotherapy services were utilized in Lahore, Pakistan.

Assessment of pain management strategies and perception of the role of physiotherapists in the management of low back pain among motorcycle riders in south-eastern Nigeria

Introduction: LBP is the most common cause of activity restriction and work absence in much parts of the world, putting a heavy financial burden on people. This study is aimed at determining the management practices and the knowledge and utilization of physiotherapy services among commercial motorcycle riders in Nnewi north. It is very essential with the long-term objective of increasing the level of knowledge of physiotherapy and promote its utilization among motorcycle riders and general public. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional study that involved commercial motorcycle riders that ply within the four major villages of Nnewi town in Nnewi-North local government area of Anambra state. An interviewer based semi-structured questionnaire was administered to the respondents at their muster points. Results: One hundred and fifty-four riders were recruited and all were male. 76% of the respondent for their low back pain is pain relief (drugs) such as Paracetamol 15.6%, while 44.2% of the respondent used drugs unknown to them, 19.5% reported that only stretching was their home management for their pain, majority 96.8% had never utilized their services, most 68.8% accepted to utilize it if the need arises. Conclusion: Our study suggests that only few riders sought proper medical care for their low back pain. Majority chose over-the-counter medications while others went for other home management for pain such as stretching, use of ointments etc. Also, most of the riders lack a good knowledge of physiotherapy and their roles in pain management. Although, majority had never utilized their services, most accepted to utilize it if the need arises.

Factors influencing utilization of physiotherapy services by patients and people living with disability at Busia County Referral Hospital in Kenya

BackgroundPhysiotherapy, a component of primary health care, could be a remedy for physical challenges permeating widely in the world community due to non-communicable diseases trauma and infections.ObjectivesTo establish the level of knowledge about physiotherapy and the association between level of knowledge and demographic profile among people living with disabilities and physiotherapy patients and how it influences utilization of physiotherapy services in Busia, Kenya.MethodThis was a descriptive cross-sectional quantitative study. One hundred fifty-eight participants were involved. Physiotherapy patients and people living with disabilities male and female above 18 years were purposively selected, and they completed self-administered questionnaires between August and November 2019. Data was cleaned, organized, and scientifically analyzed.ResultsMost of patients and PWD (67%) attended treatment sessions once a week only as there is inadequacy to meet their needs of treatment and it is difficult for them (87.42%) to recommend physiotherapy to others for they had lower level of knowledge of the importance of physiotherapy. The main challenge for patients and PWD to attend physiotherapy was lack of money (55.71%) and distance to hospital (63.3%).ConclusionLower utilization of physiotherapy services in Busia County could be due to inadequate knowledge about physiotherapy, lack of finances to pay for physiotherapy, attitude of the health care providers towards physiotherapy, and inadequate infrastructure. There is a need to create awareness about physiotherapy and integrate physiotherapy service at all levels of practice of the components of primary health care in order for Busia community to benefit.

Factors Influencing the Utilization of Physiotherapy Services Among the Children with Cerebral Palsy at Protibondhi Seba-O-Sahajjo Kendro in Bangladesh

<i>Background</i>: Cerebral palsy (CP) is a non-progressive irreversible lesion either single or multiple areas of the immature brain due to a developmental abnormality of brain or injury of the brain during labor, at the time of birth or during delivery. The prevalence of cerebral palsy is 2.5% per one thousand live births. Children with cerebral palsy required rehabilitation care both at home and rehabilitation center. The study aims to find out the factors affecting adherence to physiotherapy appointment for caregivers of children with cerebral palsy in Bangladesh. <i>Methods</i>: A cross-sectional study designed to conduct the research a total of 225 cerebral palsy child from the 14 Protibondhi Seba-O-Sahajjo Kendro (PSOSK) at the different district of the Bangladesh were selected through random sampling techniques by face-to-face interviews. This data collection procedure was completed within one month. Chi square test were used for statistical analysis of data and the significant level set at p<0.05. <i>Results</i>: Study shows that among the 225 CP child only 33.8% maintain adherence and 66.2% was non-adherence. Different variables such as numbers of siblings, doctors’ consultation, parents’ level of education and their awareness, mother health condition and having any savings have a significant association with adherence (P < 0.005). <i>Conclusion</i>: Adherence of the cerebral palsy child with physiotherapy appointment is out most important for better management. In this study, it is suggested that the quality of life of the CP child is significantly changed by physiotherapy as well as rehabilitation.

Awareness, Belief, Attitude, and Utilization of Physiotherapy Services among the General Public in Ibadan, Nigeria

Awareness, Belief, Attitude, and Utilization of Physiotherapy Services among the General Public in Ibadan, Nigeria

Characteristics and determinants of community physiotherapy utilization and supply

BackgroundDemand for Physiotherapy is on the rise due to increasing ageing population and consequent disability and morbidity. However, the costs of healthcare in developing countries are rising, and healthcare resources are limited making the supply of Physiotherapy services challenging in rural communities. Availability of Physiotherapy may help to reduce the burden of disability and enhance efficiency of healthcare systems. This study investigated the characteristics and associations of utilization and supply of community Physiotherapy in Nigeria.MethodsCross-sectional survey of 336 consenting community dwelling individuals from three selected communities in Nigeria was carried out. A three-section validated self-developed questionnaire which sought information on socio-demographics, utilization and supply of community Physiotherapy, as well as how to improve community Physiotherapy services was used. A household was used as the primary sampling unit in the study. Inferential and Descriptive statistics were used to assess the data.ResultsLifetime, 12-month and point utilization of physiotherapy was 21.7, 7.4 and 2.7% respectively. Physiotherapy utilization was significantly associated with level of education (p = 0.007), belief on pain as “spiritual” (p = 0.020) and religious belief (p = 0.001). The respondents with primary, secondary and tertiary education were 14.3, 13.9 and 26 times more likely to utilize physiotherapy services, respectively. Those who ‘agree’ or were ‘not sure’ that their religious belief was against physiotherapy were 92 and 83% less likely to utilize physiotherapy services, respectively compared with those who ‘disagree’. Availability and supply of Physiotherapy services were mostly at the township teaching hospital (47.9%) and private hospitals (20.5%). The supply of Physiotherapy services within the communities was mostly on temporary basis (24.7%) and through visiting Physiotherapists (21.4%). Physiotherapy services utilized was mainly exercise (46.6%) and soft tissue mobilization (41.1%). Travel costs (32.6%), time constraints (27.9%) and work commitments (24.8%) were the constraints for Physiotherapy utilization while positive beliefs and higher education improved Physiotherapy utilization.ConclusionsUtilization and supply of Physiotherapy services in Nigerian rural community was low. Low utilization of Physiotherapy services in Nigerian rural communities were most significantly influenced by low educational status and beliefs about pain.

Awareness, attitude, belief, and utilization of physiotherapy services among the general public in major cities of Gujarat state

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Physiotherapy is considered an integral part in the health-care delivery system, with the provision of services to improve the quality of life of an individual. Utilization of physiotherapy services by the general public can be influenced by knowledge of the role of physiotherapy in health-care delivery. This study investigated the awareness of, attitude toward, belief about, and utilization of physiotherapy services in the general public of four major cities of Gujarat state in India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional survey of 500 conveniently selected participants from the general public in selected areas of Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Rajkot, and Surat in Gujarat was conducted using a self-administered, validated questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics of mean, percentages, and standard deviation. RESULTS: Participants (n = 245 males, n = 255 females) were aged 36.66 ± 12.2 years. A large proportion, 427 (85.4%), of the participants was aware of physiotherapy through various medium. Out of all the participants, 436 (87.2%) participants were familiar with physiotherapy services. Most of the participants, i.e., 288 (67.4%), reported that physiotherapists treat disorders affecting just bones and joints. About half (216 [49.5%]) and over one-third (157 [36%]) participants reported physiotherapy to be always and sometimes effective, respectively. Around 334 (76.6%) participants stated that they would prefer physiotherapy to Indigenous Health Services, while majority of respondents (398 [89.4%]) claimed that they would recommend physiotherapy. CONCLUSION: A large proportion of the participants are aware of physiotherapy services. Positive attitude toward and belief about physiotherapy services were reported. Furthermore, physiotherapy services utilization of participants was fairly high.

Factors affecting the extent of utilization of physiotherapy services by physicians in Saudi Arabia.

[Purpose] To investigate physicians’ attitudes, opinions and experiences towards physiotherapy services as well as to identify the potential factors that may affect the extent of utilization of physiotherapy services (based on physicians’ beliefs) in Saudi Arabia (SA). [Subjects and Methods] A cross-sectional study was conducted. [Results] A total of 108 respondents met the inclusion criteria. The respondents’ attitude towards physiotherapy was slightly low (53.5%), while their opinions and experiences of physiotherapy indicated some important issues. For example, 50% of them believed that physiotherapists did not create a good awareness about physiotherapy services and 55.5% admitted that they did not have enough information about physiotherapy services. The most potential factor reported by physicians that may affect the extent of utilization of physiotherapy services was the lack of physiotherapist’s skills and knowledge to assess and treat patients (55.3%), followed by the limited knowledge of physicians regarding the types of physiotherapy services (44.5%) and the lack of cooperation between physicians and physiotherapists (40.7%). [Conclusion] There were some factors that limited the extent of utilization of physiotherapy services in SA. Physiotherapy academics and clinicians should attempt to change physicians’ negative attitudes, promoting awareness to provide them with a better understanding of physiotherapy services.

Potential role of tele-rehabilitation to address barriers to implementation of physical therapy among West African stroke survivors: A cross-sectional survey

BackgroundThe greatest burden from stroke-related disability is borne by Low-and-Middle Income countries (LMICs) where access to rehabilitation after stroke is severely challenged. Tele-rehabilitation could be a viable avenue to address unmet rehabilitation needs in LMICs. ObjectivesTo assess the burden of post-stroke physical deficits, rates of utilization of physiotherapy services, and perceptions of tele-rehabilitation among recent Ghanaian stroke survivors. MethodsUsing a consecutive sampling strategy, 100 stroke survivors attending an outpatient Neurology clinic in a Ghanaian tertiary medical center were enrolled into this cross-sectional study. After collecting basic demographic data, clinical history on stroke type, severity and level of disability, we administered the validated 20-item Functional Independence Measure questionnaire to evaluate functional status of study participants and an 8-item questionnaire to assess participants' attitudes towards telemedicine administered rehabilitation intervention. ResultsMean±SD age of study participants was 57.2±13.3years of which 51.0% were males with a mean duration of stroke of 1.3±2.2years. 53% had Modified Rankin scores of ≥3, 57% were fully independent and only 27% reported utilizing any physiotherapy services. Barriers to access to physiotherapy included financial constraints due to cost of physiotherapy services and transportation as well as premature discharge from physiotherapy to avoid overburdening of available physiotherapy services. These factors led to the limited provision of rehabilitative therapy. Participants held positive views of the potential for tele-rehabilitation interventions (80–93%). However, while 85% owned mobile phones, only 35% had smart phones. ConclusionDespite, a high burden of residual disability, only about 1 out of 4 stroke patients in this Ghanaian cohort was exposed to post-stroke physiotherapy services, largely due to relatively high costs and limited health system resources. These Ghanaian stroke patients viewed the potential role of Tele-rehabilitation as positive, but this promising intervention needs to be formally tested for feasibility, efficacy and cost-effectiveness.

Factors Influencing Utilization of Physiotherapy Service among Children with Cerebral Palsy in Jalandhar District of Punjab.

Background:Physiotherapy plays a central role in the management of children with cerebral palsy (CP); however, literature describing the use of physiotherapy service and the factors affecting utilization of physiotherapy service for this group of children in the Indian context remain unexplored.Aims and Objectives:To describe the utilization of physiotherapy services and explore the factors affecting utilization of physiotherapy services among children with CP of Jalandhar district of Punjab.Methodology:During June 2009 to March 2012 interview of family members of 248 children with CP (male = 159; female = 89) was conducted using a schedule focusing on demography, constraints of resources, expectations, beliefs, awareness, and service utilization. Cross tabulation with Chi-square, univariate, and multivariate logistic regression analysis were the tools of statistical analysis.Results:44.4% children had not received any physiotherapy in their life time. In univariate analysis exposure to physiotherapy was found significantly associated with age of diagnosis (odds ratio [OR] = 2.47), finance constraint (OR = 2.27), personal constraint (OR = 2.54), transportation constraint (OR = 3.01), lack of advice for rehabilitation (OR = 2.36), ignorance about condition (OR = 11.94), and rehabilitation services (OR = 2.88). Multivariate model (χ2 = 57.16, df = 15, P < 0.001, pseudo R2 Cox and Snell = 0.22, Nagelkerke = 0.27) identified two main predictor variables of nonexposure to physiotherapy-ignorance about condition (OR = 7.3) and expectation of normalcy (OR = 0.43).Conclusion:The main drivers for the use of physiotherapy among children with CP in Jalandhar district of Punjab were awareness about the condition of CP and expectation of normalcy which demonstrated a complex relationship with sociodemographic factors.

Utilization of Physiotherapy Services in the Word

Utilization of Physiotherapy Services in the Word

Utilization of Physiotherapy Services by Children and Adolescents - Results of the KiGGS- Baseline Survey

Aim of the study: The use of physical therapy in German children and adolescents has so far solely been analyzed on the basis of health insurance data, which can neither consider case history nor social factors. Using the KiGGS-baseline survey it is possible to examine the use of physical therapy on the basis of parental reported health problems and social factors. Methodology: Identifiable determinants for the use of physical therapy in the last 12 months in the KiGGS-baseline survey were examined bivariate and multivariate in logistic regression models with mutual adjustment. The following determinants were considered: social factors, somatic disorders and psychological abnormalities. The proportion of the use of physical therapy, which can be explained by these determinants, was estimated using population-attributable risk fraction. Results: The frequency of the use of physical therapy in the last 12 months in the 0 to 17-year-olds in the KiGGS-baseline survey was 6,4% with higher use during infancy and adolescence. The socio-economic status of parents was not associated with the use of physical therapy. A migration background decreased the probability of the use of physical therapy, for example, among children aged 0 to 2 years (ORadjusted: 0,5 [95% CI: 0,2-1,0]). In those with scoliosis, the use of physical therapy was almost twice as frequent in infancy as in adolescence (58,4 vs. 34,4%). A maximum of 15% of all children and adolescents with back pain reported the use of physical therapy. When ADHD was diagnosed at preschool age, the probability of using physical therapy was increased (ORadjusted: 5,1 [95% CI: 1,4-18,6]). The health problems, which were assessed in the KiGGS-baseline survey and considered for this analysis could explain 37% of the use of physical therapy in the 0 to 2-year-olds. In the other age groups, 59 to 62% could be explained. Conclusion: Comparison of the KiGGS-baseline survey with health insurance data shows similar frequencies and patterns of the use of physical therapy and can therefore be used for the analysis of healthcare questions on the use of physical therapy. The data point to potential deficits in treatment in population segments and for some conditions. An examination of these hypotheses based on analyses of health insurance data seems to be reasonable.

Utilization of physiotherapy services in case of trauma disorders of the lower extremity in the outpatient care

Introduction: Limited information is available on physiotherapy treatment of lower extremity injuries. Aim: The purpose of this study included analysis of the utilization of outpatient physiotherapy services in case of injuries of the lower extremity. Method: Data derived from the database of the National Health Insurance Fund Administration, Hungary. The number of cases undergoing physiotherapy activities after lower extremity injuries were determined. Results: In 2009 the average number of cases undergoing physiotherapy activities following lower extremity injuries per 10,000 persons were the following: „hip and thigh injuries” 249.75 male cases and 443.7 female cases; „knee and leg injuries” 927.64 male cases and 668.25 female cases, and „ankle and foot injuries” 307.58 male cases and 245.75 female cases. Conclusions: According to this study, the number of physiotherapy activities for patients with injuries of the lower extremity showed significant differences between genders. Orv. Hetil., 2013, 154, 985–992.

Children with paralytic poliomyelitis: Utilization of physiotherapy services in Zamfara State, Nigeria

Physiotherapy is usually indicated for health promotion and the rehabilitation of individuals with paralytic poliomyelitis. The endemic nature of this condition in children in Zamfara State, Nigeria necessitated investigation into the utilization of physiotherapy services by parents or primary caregivers of children affected with polio in this sub-region. Parents and primary caregivers of children with paralytic poliomyelitis were recruited using a purposive multi-stage sampling procedure in a cross-sectional survey. Factors associated with the utilization of physiotherapy services were assessed based on questions extracted from a 4-part, 52-item structured questionnaire originally designed for a study which investigated knowledge, attitude, and beliefs of parents of children with paralytic poliomyelitis. A total of 217 participants were included in this study. The mean age was 32.29 ± 9.89 years and the mean knowledge of polio score was 62.0 ± 17.3%. The mean age of the children with paralytic poliomyelitis was 6.41 ± 2.50 years. Only 27.2% of the parents or primary caregivers had utilized physiotherapy service for their children at some point. No association existed between utilization of physiotherapy service and ‘knowledge of paralytic poliomyelitis’, ‘employment status’, and ‘family income’ of respondents. Explanations for low utilization of physiotherapy services for children with paralytic poliomyelitis by parents or primary caregivers are discussed.

It’s more than just physical therapy: reported utilization of physiotherapy services for adults with neuromuscular disorders attending a specialist centre

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to evaluate service users’ perceptions of their utilization of the physiotherapy service at a specialist Neuromuscular Centre and to identify their reasons for and barriers to attending. Method: A prospective survey design, consisting of a 13-item questionnaire was completed by 104 registered users of a physiotherapy service at a Neuromuscular Centre in northwest England. Descriptive statistics was employed to analyse data from Likert style questions and thematic analysis conducted on responses to open-ended questions. Results: Over 79% of respondents were satisfied with the frequency and duration of their treatment. Respondents attended physiotherapy to obtain physical therapy, for general wellbeing and to access specialized resources. Barriers to attendance included work commitments, travel cost and time, and lack of Centre resources. Clients attending physiotherapy valued the specialist service including advice from therapists, perceived benefit from social interaction with other clients and physical therapy. Conclusion: Adults with neuromuscular disorders identified psychosocial as well as physical benefits from attending physiotherapy at the Neuromuscular Centre. The findings highlight the importance of service users’ views in service provision and suggest that a collaborative commitment to patient management could by advantageous when developing physiotherapy services.Implications for RehabilitationIn this study adults with neuromuscular disorders appeared to value the availability of frequent and ongoing access to specialist physiotherapy.In addition to physical gains, this client group consistently reported benefits in psychosocial wellbeing from attendance at physiotherapyA collaborative commitment to patient management between physiotherapy providers and service users with neuromuscular disorders could lead to optimal utilization of physiotherapy services

PHP110 Utilization of Physiotherapy Services in Hungary

PHP110 Utilization of Physiotherapy Services in Hungary