"Improvements from the physiotherapy motivates me to continue the treatment" - Qualitative Study on Quality Indicators of Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis undergoing Physiotherapy

Background: Global burden of disability increased due to knee osteoarthritis (OA) which treated with physiotherapy as a first-line management. So this study examined the perspectives and experiences of patients diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis (OA) radiographically and undergoing physiotherapy rehabilitation, as well as the facilitators and inhibitors that influence physiotherapy treatment.
Method: A qualitative design was implemented, utilizing a phenomenological approach. A purposive sampling technique was employed to recruit 15 patients with knee osteoarthritis (PKOA). Demographic data, socio-economic status, and disease-related data were collected from a PKOA. Audio-recorded and verbatim transcribed one-on-one, semi-structured interviews were conducted in person or via telephone. Deductive thematic analysis was implemented to analyze the data.
Results: Four themes were identified, such as facilitators, inhibitors, experiences, and perceptions. Under these primary themes, 28 sub-themes were developed. The facilitators and inhibitors of physiotherapy for knee OA, including personal, physical, mental, social, economic, organizational, and health-related factors, were investigated, as PKOA had varying perspectives and experiences regarding knee OA and physiotherapy.
Discussion: Despite the constraints of time and access, PKOA maintained a positive attitude and experience with physiotherapy. Physiotherapy rehabilitation is influenced by both physical and social environments, which serve as both facilitators and inhibitors. Reduced exercise adherence among PKOA is a consequence of financial constraints, a lack of awareness, and treatment efficacy. This can be mitigated by implementing a customized exercise protocol, providing booster session, and regular follow-ups through tele-rehabilitation in India, which serves as an essential rehabilitation method.