PATIENT-CENTERED CARE AND COMMUNICATION SKILLS IN PHYSIOTHERAPY

Abstract

A key principle of modern physiotherapy is patient-centered care (PCC), which places an emphasis on customized, comprehensive, and team-based healthcare. PCC acknowledges patients as active participants in their care and integrates their values, preferences, experiences, and goals into the rehabilitation process, in contrast to the conventional biological approach. In order to foster trust, collaborative decision-making, a therapeutic alliance, and patient engagement, effective communication is essential to patient-centered physical therapy. In addition to highlighting the need of communication skills in physiotherapy practice, this chapter examines the idea and tenets of patient-centered care. Finding common ground, comprehending the full person, developing genuine therapeutic connections, and using a biopsychosocial approach are some of the key concepts covered. The chapter also looks at obstacles to putting patient-centered care into practice, including issues with clinicians, patients, and the system. Additionally, techniques to improve communication and patient-centered practice are offered, including active listening, empathy, patient education, self-management support, collaborative decision-making, and ongoing professional development. Patient happiness, treatment compliance, and rehabilitation results can all be enhanced by incorporating these ideas and communication techniques into physical therapy.