PATIENTS SATISFACTION WITH PHYSIOTHERAPY MANAGEMENT OF LOW BACK PAIN AT SELECTED HOSPITALS IN CALABAR

This study investigates the factors influencing patient satisfaction physiotherapy care in selected hospitals within Calabar Metropolis, Cross River State, Nigeria. Physiotherapy is a crucial component of healthcare delivery, and patient satisfaction serves as a key measure of service quality. A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed, with data collected from 103 adult patients (aged 18 years and above) attending the physiotherapy departments of the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Bethesda physiotherapy wellness clinic and General Hospital Calabar. Participants were selected using purposive sampling, and data were gathered using an adapted version of the Physical Therapy Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire (PTPSQ). This tool assessed satisfaction across various domains, including accessibility, service quality, staff behavior, and overall satisfaction. These findings underline the high levels of satisfaction with outpatient physiotherapy services in the selected hospitals, though improvements in logistical aspects like parking and scheduling are needed. This study highlights the importance of regularly assessing and enhancing physiotherapy services to ensure patient satisfaction and quality care. While many patients expressed high levels of satisfaction with the quality of physiotherapy services, particularly in relation to staff attitude, privacy, and treatment there are notable areas requiring improvement. These include administrative efficiency, waiting times, and the perceived cost-benefit of physiotherapy care. Physiotherapy management style was a significant predictor of satisfaction, with individualized care being more favorably rated. Demographic factors like gender had mixed influence, while educational level showed no significant impact.