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Background In multiple sclerosis and stroke patients an orthotic device (OD) is often used to improve the patient’s functionality. Although user satisfaction and acceptance may partly determine the grade of adherence to an OD, little is known about the patient’s needs and expectations. Aims The aim of this study was to inquire the satisfaction and reasons for acceptance of ODs for the lower limb in stroke and multiple sclerosis patients. Additionally, differences between the male and female patients were analysed. Methods Adult post-stroke and multiple sclerosis patients who had at least one prescribed OD for the lower limb were included. Two questionnaires were used to structure the interview: an ad hoc constructed questionnaire measuring the reasons for acceptance (MIRAD-ACCORT II questionnaire) and a modified version of the published and clinically used D-QUEST 2.0 questionnaire measuring user-satisfaction. Descriptive analyses of the data were performed. Chi2 tests and Mann-Whitney U tests were used to compare the data of the male and female patients (SPSS Statistics 22). Results 26 stroke and 23 multiple sclerosis patients participated (38 with a prescribed AFO, 6 with a KAFO and 5 with a knee brace). The patients were satisfied to very satisfied with their OD and the services, and reported “safety”, “ease of use”, “effectiveness”, and “comfort” as most important aspects with regard to their OD. Although, there were no significant differences between the sexes, it seems that the female patients found the esthetical aspects more important than the males. Summary and Conclusions In general, stroke and multiple sclerosis patients were quite satisfied with their OD, and aspects related to effectiveness and comfort were reported as more important than the esthetical aspects. These results are important in the process of design, construction and provision of an OD. By mitigating the negative aspects, compliance may improve, which could have a positive influence on the therapy outcome. |
