Determinants of Appointment Planning in Physical Therapy: Insights from Saudi Arabia

Background/Objectives: Appointment planning in physical therapy (PT) is crucial for optimizing patient outcomes and resource efficiency, yet determinants of these plans and deviations from them remain underexplored. This study aimed to explore how physical therapists in Saudi Arabia determine appointment numbers, their preferred planning methods, and the prevalence and contributing factors of deviations from planned appointments. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted using an electronic questionnaire distributed to PTs practicing in outpatient departments and homecare settings across Saudi Arabia. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize therapists' methods, preferences, and the prevalence of and potential reasons for deviations. Results: A total of 434 responses were collected. Most therapists (66%) relied on their evaluation to determine the number of appointments, and this was their preferred method (76%). However, 50% reported patients usually requiring more appointments than initially planned, and 14% did not complete all the planned appointments. Faster-than-expected progress (61%) and slower-than-expected progress (58%) were the primary reasons for deviations. Conclusions: Despite most therapists determining the number of appointments based on their evaluation, the majority reported usual deviations from planned appointments, highlighting a gap in appointment planning. Future research should investigate the impact of deviations on patient outcomes and healthcare costs. Strategies to reduce deviations, such as improving adherence to clinical practice guidelines (CPGs), are warranted.