Analysis of patient satisfaction scores in response to a change in physiotherapy service provision for women with pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain

Author(s): G. McCabe - Pages: 53 - 57

Abstract

Pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain (PPGP) is a common condition that affects approximately 20% of the pregnant population. Physiotherapy is often chosen as an intervention in the management of this condition. The experience of a local National Health Service women’s health physiotherapy department led to a service evaluation to find out why patient experience appeared to be poor. Many patient concerns had been raised via the management team regarding the physiotherapy process for those suffering from PPGP. It was decided to assess the situation with pre-and post-physiotherapy patient satisfaction questionnaires alongside the Pelvic Girdle Questionnaire, which is  currently used as a clinical outcome measure. Of those invited to participate in this survey, 70% completed the first questionnaire and 34% completed the second. Four main themes that affected patient experience emerged from the data analysis: pain, accessibility, communication and outcome. For example, if patients could access the physiotherapy department easily, and if they were offered an appointment in a timely manner, communicated with
clearly and enjoyed some clinical improvements, then their expectations were met and they reported high levels of satisfaction. Of the patients who received physiotherapy intervention, 69% (n = 33) clinically improved,  demonstrating reduced pain and increased mobility and function. In conclusion, it is extremely important to listen to, evaluate and change service provision as required in order to improve the patients’ experience as they seek help for PPGP, which is often a very debilitating condition.
Keywords: patient satisfaction scores, pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain, service provision.