A survey of client experiences with orthotics using the QUEST 2.0

Introduction: Hand orthoses are designed to relieve pain, immobilize a body part and protect the injury site, prevent or correct deformity, and promote healing in the body. Practitioners who prescribe and create orthoses are reliant on patient adherence to achieve desired outcomes in treatment. Understanding client preferences may promote better orthotic intervention outcomes.

Purpose of the study: The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to determine the level of client satisfaction with device characteristics and service provision of custom-fabricated hand orthotics using the Quebec User Evaluation of Satisfaction with Assistive Technology (QUEST) version 2.0 questionnaire.

Methods: After approval from an institutional review board, participants for this study were obtained through a convenience sample from a hand rehabilitation clinic. Seventy-two participants were administered the QUEST 2.0 to evaluate their satisfaction regarding various aspects of their orthotic devices. The 12 satisfaction categories in the QUEST are dimensions, weight, adjustments, safety, durability, easy to use, comfort, effectiveness, service delivery, repairs/services, professional service, and follow-up service. Each question was scored on a 5-point Likert scale and then recorded in the following 3 sections: device, service, and total score. The mean and standard deviation were calculated for each of the 12 items to determine the primary determinants of orthotic satisfaction.

Results: The top 3 categories for a participant's orthotic device characteristics were comfort (81%), effectiveness (75%), and ease of use (74%). The participants' mean score for the device section was 4.53. The mean service score was 4.71. The total mean score was 4.61.

Conclusion: Therapists who are fabricating prescribed orthotic devices for individuals should consider comfort, effectiveness, and ease of use as they fabricate and adjust the device for their client. Identifying the client's desired aspects of the device can help the therapist create a better therapeutic relationship with the client and may improve their overall experience receiving orthotic intervention.