User Satisfaction with Orthotic Devices and Service in Taiwan

Abstract

User satisfaction is afforded considerable importance as an outcome measurement in evidence-based healthcare and the client-centered approach. Several studies have investigated user satisfaction with orthoses. Few studies have investigated user satisfaction with orthoses in Taiwan. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the user satisfaction with orthotic devices and service using the Taiwanese version of Quebec User Evaluation of Satisfaction with Assistive Technology. We conducted a cross-sectional study of 280 subjects who had used orthoses and received services. The results showed that the mean satisfaction score was 3.74 for the devices and 3.56 for service. Concerning the participants, 69.1% and 59.6% were quite satisfied or very satisfied with their devices and service, respectively. The satisfaction score of orthotic service was lower than that of the devices. Regarding demographic characteristics, participants living in different areas differed only in service score (p = 0.002). The participants living in eastern area and offshore islands were the least satisfied with the orthotic service. For clinical characteristics, there was a significant difference in satisfaction scores among severity of disability (all p = 0.015), types of orthoses (all p = 0.001), and duration of usage (all p = 0.001). The participants with mild disability, wearing the pressure garment and using the orthosis for less than one year, were the most satisfied with their orthotic devices and service. There is a need for improved orthotic devices and services, especially with respect to the comfort of the devices and the provision of subsidy funding.

Use of and Satisfaction with Ankle Foot Orthoses

“…The results found in this study are comparable with earlier studies [29][30][31] that include descriptions of user types. Women are apparently more critical about their bodies and issues that affect them such as cosmesis and appearance of the device.…”

“…Also in that study 27% of the respondents stated that the AFO was not helpful. More recently, Chen et al [31] and Arfoui et al [32] found comparable results with respect to overall satisfaction. This is in line with our result, which show approximately the same number of users to be not satisfied.…”

Users’ Satisfaction with Prosthetic and Orthotic Assistive Devices in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic: A Cross-sectional Study

“…Some caution is needed, therefore, in interpreting the high satisfaction score. It is likely that factors contributing to satisfaction include the absence of alternative services, and that services and devices are provided free of charge, including the costs of travel and meals while at the facility (Chen et al, 2014). Considering this, it is possible that participants felt that negative evaluations would be construed as ingratitude, especially given the high out-of-pocket expenses for other healthcare services (Patcharanarumol et al, 2009;Wagstaff and Lindelow, 2010;Akkhavong et al, 2014).…”

“…While the durability provided by polypropylene technology for assistive devices is important, especially in low-resource contexts, durability considerations should be balanced with user priorities of effectiveness and comfort, and more attention should be given to device design in relation to the user's environment. Providers also need to pay attention to whether devices cause the client any discomfort or pain (Chen et al, 2014).…”

Kronik Engelli Bireylerde Ortez Ve Yardımcı Cihaz Memnuniyetinin Araştırılması

“…Böylece okul ve çevreye katılımları, oyun oynamaları daha olanaklı hale gelir. Chen ve ark., yetersizlik şiddeti ile ortez memnuniyet skoru arasında anlamlı bir ilişki bulmuşlardır [5] [6]. Bazı tanıların (spina bifida, parapleji vb.)…”