Patient Satisfaction with Outpatient Physiotherapy Services: A Cross-Sectional Study in Erbil, Iraq

Zekra Ali Aziz; Sara Mumtaz Nashat; Alin Imad Ikram; Payman Abdullah Othman; Yamama Raed Taha; Fatima Muhammed Othman

doi:10.15218/ejnm.2026.03

Authors

Zekra Ali Aziz Department of Prosthetics and Orthotics,Technical Health and Medical College, Erbil Polytechnic Universi-ty, Erbil, Iraq
Sara Mumtaz Nashat Department of Physiotherapy, Technical Health and Medical College, Erbil Polytechnic University, Kurdistan Region, Erbil, Iraq.
Alin Imad Ikram Department of Physiotherapy, Technical Health and Medical College, Erbil Polytechnic University, Kurdistan Region, Erbil, Iraq.
Payman Abdullah Othman Department of Physiotherapy, Technical Health and Medical College, Erbil Polytechnic University, Kurdistan Region, Erbil, Iraq.
Yamama Raed Taha Department of Physiotherapy,Technical Health and Medical College, Erbil Polytechnic University, Kurdistan Region, Erbil, Iraq.
Fatima Muhammed Othman Department of Physiotherapy,Technical Health and Medical College, Erbil Polytechnic University, Kurdistan Region, Erbil, Iraq.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15218/ejnm.2026.03

Keywords:

Patient satisfaction, Physiotherapy, Outpatient services, Erbil, Iraq

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Patient satisfaction is increasingly recognized as a key indicator of healthcare quality. Physiotherapy services, in particular, play a vital role in rehabilitation and patient-centered care. This study addresses a regional gap by systematically evaluating patient satisfaction with outpatient physiotherapy services in Erbil, Iraq.
This study aimed to assess patient satisfaction with outpatient physiotherapy services, identify key factors influencing satisfaction, and provide evidence-based recommendations for improving service delivery.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from June to October 2024 involving 303 patients from governmental and private physiotherapy centers in Erbil. Data were collected via structured interviews using a validated 13-item satisfaction questionnaire covering administrative processes, comfort, therapist communication, and overall experience. Demographic data were also recorded. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics and chi-square tests, with significance set at P-value ≤ 0.05.
Results: The majority of participants were female (72%). Satisfaction was highest for administrative processes and staff courtesy (48.5% rated 'very good'), facility comfort and relaxation (38% rated 'very good'), and overall recommendation of services (42.2% 'very good'). Overall, 38.3% rated services as 'good' while only 1.7% rated them as 'poor'. All domains showed statistically significant associations with overall satisfaction (p < 0.001).
Conclusions: Patients reported generally high levels of satisfaction with outpatient physiotherapy services in Erbil. Improvements are needed in treatment explanations and patient education. These findings highlight the importance of patient-centered approaches to strengthening healthcare quality.

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