Have We Forgotten Our Patient? An Exploration of Patient Experiences After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

<jats:p><jats:italic><jats:bold>Background:</jats:bold></jats:italic> Limited information is available on the experiences of patients during rehabilitation after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). <jats:italic><jats:bold>Aim:</jats:bold> </jats:italic>The current study aimed to identify factors that differentiated positive and negative patient experiences during rehabilitation after ACLR. <jats:italic><jats:bold>Method and Design:</jats:bold></jats:italic> A survey-based study with an online platform was used to identify factors that differentiated positive and negative patient experiences during rehabilitation after ACLR. Seventy-two patients (age 27.8 [8.8] y) after ACLR participated. Data were analyzed and themes were identified by comparing categories and subcategories on similarity. <jats:italic><jats:bold>Main Findings:</jats:bold></jats:italic> Positive patient experiences were room for own input, supervision, attention, knowledge, honesty, and professionalism of the physiotherapist. Additionally, a varied and structured rehabilitation program, adequate facilities, and contact with other patients were identified as positive patient experiences. Negative experiences were a lack of attention, lack of professionalism of the physiotherapists, a lack of sport-specific field training, a lack of goal setting, a lack of adequate facilities, and health insurance costs. <jats:italic><jats:bold>Conclusions:</jats:bold></jats:italic> The current study identified factors that differentiated positive and negative patient experiences during rehabilitation after ACLR. These findings can help physiotherapists in understanding the patient experiences during rehabilitation after ACLR.</jats:p>