Date of Award

Summer 5-2024

Document Type

Thesis

Department

Physical Therapy

First Advisor

Raymond B. Esperida

Abstract

Patient retention has always been part of the goals in the medical field, especially in the Physical Therapy setting; there were some studies that depicted a contingent effect on its likelihood with the patients’ economic status. However, the lack of evidence-based studies in PT surrounding these variables have made it difficult to pinpoint the relationship between the two. This study investigated how economic status influences patient retention in physical therapy settings in Negros Oriental, Philippines. It combined quantitative data from surveys on participant demographics, economic status, and patient retention with qualitative insights gathered through semi-structured interviews. The data collected suggested that there was a moderate relationship between the overall patient retention rate and their economic class, indicating the need for creative strategies to overcome healthcare access barriers. Qualitative findings also revealed patients' perceptions, clinic access, time constraints, and even income all affect how well they stick with therapy. Despite economic differences, it was also shown that patient availability provided a crucial factor in treatment adherence. While financial considerations were frequently cited by physical therapists as influential in patient adherence to treatment, our findings suggested that economic class alone did not guarantee retention. However, the study suggested the potential for tailored programs to accommodate patients' economic situations and schedules. The study emphasized the role of healthcare providers in making conducive treatment environments and stresses ongoing skill development to ensure the availability and accessibility of physical therapy services.

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