Survey of 232 physiotherapy patients in Gujarat finds high satisfaction and symptom discussion

This cross-sectional study surveyed 232 patients attending scheduled consultations at two government, seven private, and two trust physiotherapy centers in Gujarat, India. The study examined patient-healthcare professional interactions, expectations, and satisfaction, specifically focusing on patients' ideas, concerns, and expectations (ICE) during consultations. No specific intervention or comparator was reported; the exposure was the standard physiotherapy consultation process.

Key findings from patient self-reports include: almost 88% of patients reported sharing their thoughts and explanations about their symptoms during the consultation. Most patients described having no concerns about their diagnosis or treatment. More than two-thirds of patients consulted physiotherapists expecting an explanation for their symptoms. Overall, almost 90% of patients reported being satisfied with their consultation. Exact numbers, effect sizes, p-values, and confidence intervals were not reported for these outcomes.

Safety and tolerability data were not reported. The study has several important limitations: it is observational and cross-sectional, showing association rather than causation. Data were collected at a single timepoint via self-report without a control group. The setting is specific to Gujarat, India, limiting generalizability to other regions or healthcare systems. Percentages are presented without exact absolute numbers, affecting precision.

For practice, this survey provides a snapshot of patient-reported experiences in a specific regional context. The high satisfaction and communication rates should be interpreted within the study's observational design and regional limitations. Clinicians should note that while patients reported sharing thoughts, most also reported having no concerns—a finding that may warrant further exploration in different settings to understand potential unmet needs or communication gaps.