[Patients' views on ambulatory orthopedic/traumatologic rehabilitation]

Although patients' perspectives play an important role in most area of the health care system, little is known so far about patients' views regarding outpatient rehabilitation. As part of an evaluation study on new model of rehabilitation, we therefore also investigated the patients' views, giving special attention to the commonly suggested advantages of outpatient rehabilitation. In the study, 1013 patients were given a questionnaire, in which patients could evaluate their satisfaction with outpatient rehabilitation and could mark preferences for either inpatient or outpatient rehabilitation. The results confirmed to a large extent the advantages of outpatient rehabilitation. This form of rehabilitation offers the patients a complex therapy close to their residence and can facilitate an early occupational reintegration. Outpatient rehabilitation also offers the possibility to take care of the family and to spend free time with the family. This fact is perceived as one important advantage leading to preference for outpatient rehabilitation. In general, patients were most satisfied with the care given by their therapists or physician, as well as with the treatment. They were less satisfied with the subsequent treatment after rehabilitation. A majority of patients felt left alone after treatment. One of the advantages of outpatient rehabilitation is the possibility of including relatives and the family doctor in the outpatient treatment. However, only few patients agreed, that the family doctor or relatives were sufficiently included in the treatment. Most younger patients prefer the outpatient rehabilitation. One of the reasons given was the possibility of taking care of important jobs at home. The results of our study give evidence for a high demand of patients for outpatient rehabilitation.