CULTIVATING COMPASSIONATE PHYSIOTHERAPISTS THROUGH HUMAN-CENTRIC PEDAGOGY IN HEALTH PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION

Abstract

In physiotherapy practice, compassion and empathy are fundamental qualities that underpin effective patient care and successful rehabilitation outcomes. Compassionate behaviours foster strong therapeutic relationships, which significantly influence patient motivation, trust, and adherence to treatment. While traditional healthcare education has largely focused on anatomical knowledge and technical proficiency, there is a growing recognition of the need for a more humanistic approach. Humanistic pedagogy emphasizes the development of emotional intelligence, reflective practice, ethical reasoning, and effective communication skills. By integrating these principles into physiotherapy education, students are better prepared to deliver holistic, patient-centred care. This chapter explores the theoretical foundations of compassionate behaviour, along with pedagogical strategies that promote empathy, reflection, and interpersonal sensitivity. It also highlights the relevance of humanistic approaches in shaping well-rounded physiotherapists capable of addressing both physical and emotional aspects of care. Furthermore, the chapter discusses the benefits and challenges of incorporating humanism into curricula and suggests future directions for fostering compassion-driven education in physiotherapy training.