Patient\u27s satisfaction with the quality of physical therapy care at De La Salle University Medical Center, Dasmarinas, Cavite

Patients\u27 satisfaction has become an increasingly important issue in health care however it has not been closely monitored in the field of physical therapy. This study identifies factors that are related to patients\u27 satisfaction in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the De La Salle University Medical Center in Dasmarinas, Cavite. Specifically the researcher describes the following: 1) socioeconomic and demographic profile 2) clinical profile 3) perceptions and experiences in physical therapy services. A total of thirty (30) outpatients were included in the study. Face to face exit interviews were employed and data were analyzed using descriptive statistical tools. In addition, the results of outpatients\u27 answers to probing questions were categorized in this study. There were two (2) sources of satisfaction identified. One is structural element that includes amenities, mode of payment and cost of physical therapy care. On the other hand, the department\u27s feature of accessibility, the patient-providers relations, the health care providers\u27 skill and competence and the type of information received comprises the process elements of physical therapy care. The study tried to find the linkages that are related to patients\u27 satisfaction. Results of the study showed that there were certain socioeconomic, demographic and clinical profile that affect patients\u27 level of satisfaction. Among the socioeconomic and demographic profile, the patients\u27 age, educational attainment, source of livelihood and average monthly income affect their satisfaction levels. On the other hand, among the clinical profile, the patient\u27s diagnosis, duration of symptoms, help-seeking behavior, frequency of treatment, and the type of therapeutic regimen prescribed affect their satisfaction levels. Findings of the study revealed that among the elements of quality of care, respondents were more satisfied with the process elements particularly on acceptable travel time, convenient clinic hours and the personal characteristics of health care providers. Physical therapy outpatients were found to be highly satisfied with the care received at the department