Assessment of the Needs and Expectations of Elderly Patients Regarding Physiotherapeutical Care in Poland

Abstract

Introduction. The physiotherapeutic care is a sensitive subject for the medical society, the elderly patients and their carers.

Aim. An assessment of the needs and expectation of elderly patients in relation to physiotherapeutic care in Poland.

Materials and methods. 50 patients, aged 61-91, under the care of the Department and Clinic of Geriatrics of the University Hospital were qualified for the study. The study was based on a self-created anonymous survey. The questions concerned the needs and expectations of the elderly regarding physiotherapeutic care. The results were analyzed in relation to sex, age, place of residence, marital status and education.

Results. (80%, n=40) of the patients pointed to the need for improvement in the field of physiotherapeutic care. 20% did not have an opinion on this topic. The need to adjust the therapeutic services was equally voiced by men and women. Methods for improvement of this care would be advertising the need for medical care in the field of physiotherapy (50%, n=25), education (22%, n=11) and more funds (2%, n=1). 26% (n=13) do not believe any change is possible while 70% (n=30) believe that in the coming 10 years the state of physiotherapeutic care in Poland will improve, 20% (n=10) - degrade and 10% (n=5) that it will not change. The subjects expect that in the coming years the waiting time for medical procedures will be shorter (42%, n=21), that there will be more physiotherapy centres (50%, n=25) and the qualification of the physiotherapeutic staff will improve (8%, n=4).

Conclusions. Elderly patients voice a need for physiotherapeutic care and its improvement, regardless of sex, age, marital status, place of residence and education.