Patient’s Adherence to Physiotherapist Prescribed Self-management Strategies: A Physical Therapist’s Perspective

Adherence To Physiotherapist Prescribed Self-Management Strategies

Abstract

Background: Few studies have been done in India about factors which can influence patient’s adherence to self-management protocol and a physiotherapist’s view on subject of adherence. Material & Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted via a self-made questionnaire consisting of 20 items. Fifty final BPT and 1st year post graduate students were asked to choose the most appropriate answer from options given. Descriptive analysis was done using Google Forms.Results:62% strongly agreed that self-management is important. Good self-management strategies should have clarity of instructions (66%), be proper and should be easy to follow (50%). 86% believed proper communication skills, strategy prescription, knowledge, monitoring and follow up by therapist will help patient adhere to strategies. Willingness to exercise (48%), Positive belief in exercise(44%) and Age(56%) were thought to influence patient adherence. Stigma associated with disability (52%), poor inter-professional relation (86%), are barriers. Properly educating the patient about his condition(96%), involving the family members(92%) were believed to be facilitators. 46% therapists agreed that a passive approach should not be used. 54% strongly disagreed they don’t have time to assess patient adherence. Conclusion: Physiotherapists agree that patient’s adherence to physiotherapist prescribed self-management strategies is essential for clinical practice. There is a need to use different approaches to increase patient adherence.[Baxi H Natl J Integr Res Med, 2020; 12(1):68-73]