Patient Education

Hello there :)

On recurring theme I have found in all my pracs, and brought to my attention by my last couple of supervisors is the importance of clear and consice education for patients on a number of issues. This message has been brought home again in my third placement, cardio inpatients on a medical ward. I have found that many paitents are interested in the assessments you are conducting, the treatments carried out and why, what exactly if wrong with them and what impact what you are doing will have on their condition. I have found that a lack of education on the physio's behalf can result in a flat-out decline of physio treatment from the patient, only for them to come around and be much more open when a simple explanation of the aforementioned topics is offered.

We have all learnt to include our patients in their treatment and to provide education and explanations as to what we are doing, and I really thought I was doing this adequately, and it was only after being specifically questioned by a couple of patients, both who were quite upset, that I realised I should be putting in some more effort. So I am now trying to make a concentrated effort to fully explain what the purpose of our physio sessions are and how this was benefit the patient, at least on the very first treatment session as I believe this builds rapport and increases patient compliance.

Cheers
Bini