Patient satisfaction with the physiotherapy service in an intensive care unit

Abstract

Patient satisfaction with physiotherapy treatment is animportant outcome measure that is often overlooked.  The aim of thisquality assurance activity was to assess patients’ satisfaction with thephysiotherapy service provided in an intensive care unit (ICU).  A question-naire evaluating factors pertaining to patient satisfaction was specificallydesigned for use in this study.  Questionnaires were distributed to patientswho had spent a minimum of two weeks in the Royal Adelaide HospitalICU, within a few days of transfer to a general ward.  Thirty five patientscompleted the questionnaire over the 15 month study period.  Respondentsreported a high degree of satisfaction with the personal characteristics ofthe physiotherapists seen and the physiotherapy service provided in ICU.