Objective Rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs) are among the most
common disorders in the general population. Rehabilitation quality indicators
(QIs) are one tool for assessing the quality and efficiency of healthcare
resources. The aim of this study was to utilize one of the validated QIs to
assess the current quality of rehabilitation services for RMDs in Egypt and
Saudia Arabia.
Materials and Methods A cross-sectional survey study, in which
rehabilitation unit managers answered 19 structure questions at the start of the
test period using a web-based, structured questionnaire. While one to two months
after completing a rehabilitation program, the patient answered 14 written
questions based on 11 process and 3 outcome quality indicators.
Results 36 Egyptian and 43 Saudi healthcare workers, as well as 350
Egyptian and 331 Saudi patients, completed the questionnaires. In Egypt and
Saudi Arabia, more than 60% of rehabilitation units and service users
agreed on the majority of quality indicator domains, including patient
assessment and rehabilitation outcomes. The lowest pass rates for a
rehabilitation unit structure QIs were the planning of two meetings between the
patient and the team, meeting with next of kin, and access to meetings with some
professionals, which also reflected the lowest quality domains observed by the
service user in the process as regards patient participation in the
rehabilitation process and planning of the period after rehabilitation.
Conclusion The quality of RMDs rehabilitation programs varies widely, both
nationally and across countries. Quality improvement in specific aspects of RMD
rehabilitation care is required.