Patient Preferences for Home Exercise Program Provision: A Patient Survey

PURPOSE: The primary purpose of this study was to examine patient preferences in outpatient occupational hand therapy services in regard to desired modes of home exercise program (HEP) delivery with comparison between paper handout and customized cellular video. Secondarily, the research explored the role of technology-based strategies to advance client-centered practice and promote treatment adherence. Recent research suggests that using reported patient preference in treatment enhances clients’ satisfaction with therapy, adherence to treatment, and overall quality of care (Peek, Sanson-Fisher, Mackenzie, & Carey, 2015). Adherence to HEPs is significant due to its role in improving client health and decreasing negative financial, physical, and emotional consequences for clients undergoing rehabilitation (Wright, Galtieri, & Fell, 2014).

METHOD: Patients receiving outpatient occupational hand therapy completed a patient preference questionnaire. The questionnaire included open-ended questions investigating distinct qualities of HEPs such as comprehensiveness and visual appeal. Demographic data analysis was performed.

RESULTS: Of the 29 responses regarding patient preference for HEP mode, 21 (72%) patients preferred a video copy, four (14%) preferred a paper copy, and four (14%) preferred both a paper and video copy of the HEP. Several themes emerged from write-in responses regarding why participants preferred their individually selected mode of HEP. Analysis of collected qualitative information revealed three main themes: (1) simplicity and familiarity with the paper mode, (2) visual appeal and accuracy of actual exercise as performed by patient for the video mode, and (3) comprehensive instructions of the combined video and paper modes. Based on the results of the survey, customized cellular video HEPs were preferred by patients over paper handout HEPs. Additionally, video HEPs were perceived as more visually appealing and as providing more accurate detailed instruction by combining auditory instructions and visual demonstrations.

CONCLUSION: Data collected during the current study provide useful information and understanding of patient preferences in regard to the delivery mode of home exercise programs, which are an integral part of rehabilitation. Understanding of patient preferences supports client centeredness and patient–practitioner relationships and is recommended as an evidence-based technique to improve client adherence.