Communication is key

When the Board of Physical Therapy fields complaints from patients, they often arise from what can be considered a lack of communication.  What a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant views as a standard intervention may be perceived as inappropriate by a patient who has not been sufficiently informed.  As practitioners we must remember that a treatment we have performed hundreds of times is often a novel experience for a patient.  An explanation is imperative of why you must palpate a structure, place your hands in a sensitive area to gather information, perform a facilitatory technique, transfer, or other intervention.  Placing barriers, when appropriate, such as a pillow between the therapist and patient when close contact is required, can help ensure that intentions are not misconstrued.  When patients are informed of what a treatment will be, why it is being done and what they can expect to feel, misunderstandings can often be avoided and patients are more likely to think they are part of the treatment plan.  The result of good communication is better outcomes and fewer complaints.