Evaluation of users’ satisfaction with lower limb orthotic devices and services in Ahvaz

Satisfaction with orthotic devices and services results in greater orthotic usage. Evaluation of users’ satisfaction could enhance the quality of orthotic devices and services. This study aimed to evaluate the users’ satisfaction with lower limb orthotic devices and technical orthopedic services in Ahvaz.

97 users of lower limb orthotic devices participated in this cross sectional study. User’s satisfaction was evaluated with the Orthotic & Prosthetic Users’ Survey (OPUS). The mean rank of OPUS, was analyzed with demographic data by SPSS version 22.

For device satisfaction, the highest satisfaction score was for “my orthosis fits well “(4/37) and the lowest score was for “cost of purchase and maintenance of orthosis” (2/75). For service satisfaction, the highest score was for “orthotist was responsive to my concerns and questions” (4/56), and the lowest score was for “coordination between orthotic staff and the users’ therapists and doctors” (2/75). The mean rank of service satisfaction was significantly higher than device satisfaction) p < 0/05(. The mean rank of device satisfaction was significantly different among four types of lower limb orthotic users  p < 0/05 .

Technical orthopedic managers should perform actions to facilitate insurance coverage. They should emphasize on enhancement of orthotic quality and durability, teamwork, and client centered approach to ensure the users’ satisfaction especially the long leg brace users.