PERCEPTION OF HOME PHYSIOTHERAPY CARE USERS ABOUT SUPERVISED INTERNSHIP

Abstract

Objective: to evaluate the perception and sociodemographic profile of users of physiotherapy services in home care provided by the supervised internship of the undergraduate course in physiotherapy at a private college. Methods: cross-sectional study with a qualitative  and quantitative descriptive approach, between the years 2018 and 2019. The evaluation was carried out through a quetionnaire. Results: The profile of 36 users shows a prevalence of elderly individuals, with a low levels of education and family income. Frequency of physiotherapy appointments: 30 (83.3%) of the interviewees said that the number of weekly appointments was insufficient and six (16.7%) were satisfied. Regarding the interruption periods of physiotherapeutic treatment during school holidays and the impact on health and clinical evolution of the treatment, 27 (75%) of the patients felt harmed. The personal opinions collected expressed that dissatisfied users believe that the low frequency and interruptions in care during school holidays and the half-yearly change of teams are related to demotivation, and worsening or slow improvement of their health status. With regard to the health perception of the users, before and after the intervention: 44.4% reported the quality of care as excellent, 33.3% declared it excellent; 19.4% rated it as good and only 2.7% rated it as poor. Conclusion: The current structure of the supervised internship (frequency, interruptions in school holidays and half-yearly change of team) still does not fully address the needs of care, but the quality of care meets the expectations of users and improves heatth and quality of life.