User satisfaction is a key indicator of health-care quality. The aim of this study was to identify factors that influence satisfaction with motor rehabilitation (MR) in children and adults with cerebral palsy (CP).

This study was part of a national survey coordinated by Fondation Paralysie Cérébrale/La Fondation Motrice aimed at documenting the views of persons with CP and their families on the provision of MR in France. A steering committee, that included persons with CP, representatives of patient and family organisations, professional and scientific societies, developed a questionnaire that included the 8-item Client Satisfaction Questionnaire (CSQ-8), which was the study primary outcome. The questionnaire was disseminated nationally and locally through advocacy groups, health care professional and social networks. It was answered by the person with CP or by the main carer, online or on paper then mailed.

From June 2016 to June 2017, 1010 participants with validated entry criteria filled in a questionnaire (354 children, 145 youth and 511 adults) and 750 (75%) completed the CSQ-8. As for gross motor function, 12% reported GMFCS level I, 21% GMFCS II, 19% GMFCS III, 23% GMFCS IV, 25% GMFCS V. Univariate analysis showed that CSQ-8 was significantly related to (1) person with CP characteristics (age, GMFCS, MACS, associated deficiencies, occurrence of pain); (2) health care provision (organisation of physiotherapy sessions, continuity and coordination of health care); and (3) other environmental factors (regional, difficult access to available physiotherapists or to clinicians with specific training in CP). Multivariate analysis confirmed a large impact of age and GMFCS on CSQ-8.

Key determinants of satisfaction with MR in CP were identified. Exploring changes in MR organisation and coordination, pain management and health care providers CP training may lead to improved motor rehabilitation care quality for persons with cerebral palsy.