IMPACT OF EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE ON PHYSIOTHERAPY EDUCATION AND PATIENT CARE

Abstract

Emotional Intelligence (EI) is of increasing importance as a core skill for both healthcare education and practice, especially for physiotherapists who require more than just clinical skills or technical knowledge; rather they also need the ability to understand and manage emotions (their own and those of others). EI affects how physiotherapists communicate, empathize, decide, and develop therapeutic relationships. These skills are fundamental for providing quality patient care and achieving positive learning outcomes in physiotherapy education. Because physiotherapy students help patients who are suffering from pain; experiencing physical disabilities; and dealing with psychological distress, emotional competence is a key factor in the development of physiotherapy students and the profession. This chapter addresses EI, and discusses the significance of EI in physiotherapy education and patient care, and the components of EI applicable to physiotherapy education and patient care; discusses how EI impacts student learning, clinical training and patient compliance with rehabilitation; presents strategies for incorporating emotional intelligence training into physiotherapy education; and outlines the benefits and barriers of incorporating EI training into physiotherapy education. Improving student and professional EI will lead to better patient satisfaction, improved therapeutic relationships, and improved overall rehabilitation outcomes.