ENHANCING PHYSIOTHERAPY PRACTICE THROUGH PATIENT- CENTERED CARE AND EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION

Abstract

Patient - centered care and effective communication are two critical factors for modern-day physiotherapy. Patient- centered care focuses on patients’ active involvement in the healthcare process and establishment of a partnership between patients and physiotherapists. Adhering to patient’s values, needs, preferences, and aims as well as ensuring individualization of the treatment plan is the key focus of patient - centered care. The approach requires effective communication in order to foster understanding, trust, cooperation, and adherence to treatment recommendations. Effective communication between physiotherapists, their patients, and other members of healthcare staff is an equally important element of rehabilitation process within physiotherapy as the clinical aspect of it. By applying such techniques as active listening, empathy, shared decision-making, and health education, physiotherapists can increase patient satisfaction and improve both treatment adherence and overall health-related outcomes. The current chapter addresses such aspects as concepts, principles, benefits, challenges, and strategies of patient - centered care and effective communication in physiotherapy.