Physiotherapy Report

Healthwatch Brighton and Hove carried out a survey of 86 people who had recently used physiotherapy services in Brighton and Hove. Overall, respondents were very positive about the quality of treatment provided by physiotherapists, but concerns emerged around waiting times and communication, particularly before treatment started and around home exercise programmes. 

The strongest concern was access to treatment. Waiting times from referral to a first physiotherapy appointment varied considerably, ranging from around one week to several months, with an average wait of approximately eight weeks. Just under half of respondents were dissatisfied with the wait, and some felt delays had worsened their condition. People referred through both Sussex Community NHS Trust and Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust reported experiencing waits for appointments, although waiting times varied between services and individual circumstances.

Experiences during treatment were generally positive. Most respondents felt physiotherapists clearly explained their condition and treatment, involved them in decisions about their care and explained the benefits of exercises. Many praised individual physiotherapists and felt services were well organised. However, only around two-thirds felt they had received enough information about their treatment, and some wanted clearer instructions, written guidance or visual demonstrations to support exercises at home.

Healthwatch found that adherence to home exercise programmes was generally high, with most people reporting they completed all or most of the exercises they had been given. Respondents suggested that better written information, group classes, online resources and clearer explanations could further improve engagement and outcomes. Some also wanted more one-to-one sessions and greater opportunities for hands-on treatment. 

Healthwatch concluded that local physiotherapy services were delivering good-quality clinical care but that improvements were needed around waiting times, patient expectations and information sharing. Recommendations included improving communication about expected waiting times, producing clearer information about what physiotherapy involves and reviewing how treatment information and home exercise guidance are provided, including greater use of written materials and digital resources. Both Sussex Community NHS Trust and Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust responded positively and outlined actions to improve patient information and support.