Patient satisfaction with circuit class therapy and individual physiotherapy

The purpose of this observational study was to determine patients' levels of satisfaction with circuit class therapy and individual physiotherapy sessions on a stroke rehabilitation unit.

Forty-nine persons participated in both circuit class therapy and individual physiotherapy sessions as part of standard inpatient rehabilitation following stroke. A purpose-designed questionnaire was administered to investigate patient satisfaction.

High degrees of satisfaction were reported with both methods of physiotherapy service delivery. Individual sessions were perceived as being more tailored to participants' goals, whereas participants reported that circuit classes offered a more supportive environment than the individual therapy sessions. Participants were satisfied with the amount of supervision and assistance provided in both forms of physiotherapy service delivery. No distinct advantage was seen for one form of therapy over the other in terms of patient satisfaction.