title: Neurological patients and their lower limb orthotics: An observational pilot study about acceptance and satisfaction.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Although an orthotic device of the lower limb improves the functionality of neurological patients, anecdotally clinical experience suggests that the compliance is rather limited.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The aim was to determine the satisfaction and acceptance of a lower limb orthotic device.
  
  
  METHODS
  A qualitative observational pilot study with a mix-method design.
  
  
  METHODS
  Adult neurological patients who had a prescribed lower limb orthotic device were included. One published and clinically used questionnaire about satisfaction (D-Quest) and one ad hoc constructed questionnaire about acceptance of the orthotic device (MIRAD-ACCORT questionnaire) were used for data collection.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In total, 33 patients participated (28 ankle-foot orthotic device, 3 knee-ankle-foot orthotic device and 2 other types). In general, they were satisfied about their orthotic device and the services. Less than one-fourth of the patients had some negative comments about the 'visual aspects' and the 'ability to hide' of their orthotic device. These, however, had a lower priority when compared with functionality, which was reported as a main advantage and is a reason for continuing the use of their orthotic device.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Patients were satisfied in relation to their lower limb orthotic device. With regard to acceptance, it can be concluded that factors associated with functionality and comfort are more important than the aesthetic and psychological aspects of the orthotic device. Clinical relevance Patients were satisfied with their lower limb orthotic device. Some patients had some negative comments about the 'aesthetics aspects' and the 'ability to hide' their orthotic device. However, improvements in functionality were mostly reported as a main advantage and a reason for continuing the use of their orthotic device.
authors.affiliation: 1 Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium.|2 Erasmus University College, Brussels, Belgium.|3 Center for Neuroscience, Brussels, Belgium.
authors.forename: Eva
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Swinnen
authors.affiliation: 4 Rehabilitation Hospital RevArte, Edegem, Belgium.
authors.forename: Christophe
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Lafosse
authors.affiliation: 5 National Multiple Sclerosis Center, Melsbroek, Belgium.
authors.forename: Johan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Van Nieuwenhoven
authors.affiliation: 5 National Multiple Sclerosis Center, Melsbroek, Belgium.
authors.forename: Stephan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ilsbroukx
authors.affiliation: 1 Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium.
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Beckwée
authors.affiliation: 1 Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium.|3 Center for Neuroscience, Brussels, Belgium.
authors.forename: Eric
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Kerckhofs
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D035002:Lower Extremity; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009422:Nervous System Diseases / Q000150:complications* / Q000523:psychology; D009989:Orthotic Devices; D010349:Patient Compliance; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
keywords: Neurological rehabilitation; acceptance; orthotic devices; questionnaires; satisfaction