ENHANCING PHYSIOTHERAPY OUTCOMES THROUGH PATIENT-CENTRED CARE AND COMMUNICATION SKILL

Abstract

Physiotherapy practice focuses on enhancing functional independence, improving movement, and enhancing overall quality of life. Patients’ adherence to long-term treatment regimens is vital to achieving effective clinical practice. More broadly, it has been recognised that lack of adherence to long-term therapy results in poor clinical outcomes and unnecessarily high cost of health care. Beyond prescribing exercises, physiotherapists must foster trust, motivation, and patient engagement, making communication a course of high-quality care and positive health outcomes. Physiotherapy needs to move towards a broader biopsychosocial understanding of the condition and the delivery of high-value care for people with persistent pain condition in which a patient-centred approach is a key feature. When care is centred around the patient, individuals tend to have a higher satisfaction rate, adhere better to their treatment and lifestyle changes, and achieve overall better health outcomes. Patient-centred care is characterized by regarding the patient-as-person, a biopsychosocial perspective, sharing power and responsibility, and therapeutic alliance. In such an approach, establishing meaningful connections, shared decision-making, self-management support, and patient-centered communication are essential components.