A preliminary study of patients' perceptions of certain aspects of their physical therapy experience

Abstract

Many sources recommend or mandate patient participation in setting goals and planning their therapeutic programmes, but little is known to what extent this occurs in clinical practice. This descriptive study was undertaken to explore three areas of concern: patients' perceptions of their involvement in goal-setting, in planning their treatment and in assessing outcomes. Data were also gathered as to these patients' perceptions of the value of physical therapy to them and of their relationship with their therapists.

Semi-structured interviews were conducted, recorded, transcribed and analysed for 20 patients in physical therapy in four clinical sites. Of the three original questions, patient participation in assessing outcomes received the strongest support from our data; patient participation in the evaluation of what helped them therapeutically received somewhat less support; and patient involvement in goal-setting received the weakest support. Our sample volunteered strong affirmation of the significance of physical therapy in their lives and many developed a sense of personal relationship with their therapists. Patients' perceptions of their participation in goal-setting, programme planning and evaluation vary from case to case and do not seem to indicate their consistent involvement. The reasons for this need further exploration.