Factors Affecting Patient Compliance with Upper Limb Bracing Following Physical Therapy

Abstract

Background: The lack of patient compliance with upper limb bracing results in delayed healing, progression of deformity, and sometimes even permanent disability. Common upper limb musculoskeletal disorders require bracing and physical therapy, but patient non-compliance with bracing is widespread. The study aims to identify the factors that result in non-compliance with upper limb bracing following physical therapy, thus affecting the patient’s recovery from injury. Methods: Across-sectional descriptive study ontotal of 300 patients between ages 20-50 was conducted at Centre of Benzair Bhutto Hospital. A self-designed questionnaire was used to evaluate the history and factors affecting patient compliance. Orthotic Prosthetic user survey form was used to assess non-compliance with the brace. Results: Out of a total of 300 patients,100 (33.3%) subjects correctly used the brace, 115 (38.33%) subjects did not use the brace, and 85 (28.33) subjects used the brace but did not use it as advised by the orthotist. Out of 115 non-users, 75 patients could not afford the brace, and 40 patients thought they were improving with physiotherapy, so there was no need to use the brace. The most common factors affecting patient compliance with bracing following physiotherapy are either the brace being uncomfortable (36.4%) or discomfort at night (18.8%). Conclusion: Patient’s compliance was reported following physiotherapy, though the participants were reluctant to use the brace due to highcost and discomfort. Efforts to decrease the cost of brace, and discomfort may be beneficial in increasing compliance with bracing treatment following physiotherapy. Keywords: Compliance, Non-Compliance, Orthotics, Orthoses Physiotherapy.