CLINICAL REASONING AND PROFESSIONAL DECISION MAKING IN PHYSIOTHERAPY PRACTICE

Abstract

In physiotherapy practice, clinical reasoning and decision making are very important components. They help physiotherapists understand patients’ problem, make accurate diagnoses, choose the best treatment and manage patient care effectively. This chapter focuses on the cognitive processes mainly involved in data collection, hypothesis generation, pattern recognition and evidence- based decision making. It describes important clinical reasoning models such as hypothetico-deductive reasoning, dual process theory and the development of pattern recognition from novice to expert level. Improvement in clinical reasoning and decision making mainly depends on knowledge, cognition, metacognition, constructivist learning and ethical principles It also describes factors influencing decision making and how these principles are applied in lower back pain. While working towards improving treatment outcomes and professional practice, physiotherapist must provide safe, personalized and patient-centered care.