Have We Forgotten Our Patient? An Exploration of Patient Experiences After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

Limited information is available on the experiences of patients during rehabilitation after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR).

The current study aimed to identify factors that differentiated positive and negative patient experiences during rehabilitation after ACLR.

A survey-based study with an online platform was used to identify factors that differentiated positive and negative patient experiences during rehabilitation after ACLR. Seventy-two patients (age 27.8 [8.8] y) after ACLR participated. Data were analyzed and themes were identified by comparing categories and subcategories on similarity.

Positive patient experiences were room for own input, supervision, attention, knowledge, honesty, and professionalism of the physiotherapist. Additionally, a varied and structured rehabilitation program, adequate facilities, and contact with other patients were identified as positive patient experiences. Negative experiences were a lack of attention, lack of professionalism of the physiotherapists, a lack of sport-specific field training, a lack of goal setting, a lack of adequate facilities, and health insurance costs.

The current study identified factors that differentiated positive and negative patient experiences during rehabilitation after ACLR. These findings can help physiotherapists in understanding the patient experiences during rehabilitation after ACLR.