The importance of physical therapy consultations
This research essay will deconstruct studies on the crucial nature of communication during physical therapy consultations
The importance of physical therapy consultations
Context
Physical therapy as a practice is easily defined by the practice of restoring functional movement to patients. This leaves a blank space as to how and where patients are cared for. Consultation is a crucial step of receiving care by practitioners that underlines an important skill that a physical therapist must have. The steps of a consultation are inquisitive by nature, as interpersonal communication is important in a field when attempting to collect information. Analyzing skills and methods of such communication can lead to a definitive process that can be repeated for the continued care of patients and future patients alike. The data provided within this research study will cover interactions between patients and physiotherapist during initial consultation. The transcriptions of conversations between physiotherapist and patients within Opsommer and Schoeb's is the primary research source used to answer the research question. Furthermore, a video interview by Sanson on effective communication styles helps develop a discussion that connects back to the transcript conversations of Opsommer and Schoeb's research. The similarities between the methodologies of communication help develop a correlation between how and when to communicate effectively with a patient to ensure a patient centered care plan that seeks to provide the utmost care.
Background
Initial encounters are a crucial part of consultation for patients in pain and seeking treatment. The overall certainty that can be ascertained by a physiotherapist with regards to helping treat a patient are encompassed by an imperative need for proper communication. This proper use of communication can involve intuitive questioning that leads to further sophisticated questions that can clearly outline the issues at hand with patients experiencing pain. By “integrating the patient’s perspective”, into questioning by a physical therapist, a much more comprehensive understanding of how a treatment plan should be devised (Opsommer & Schoeb, 2015, pg. 206).
Introduction
Research Question: How do different communication methodologies impact the effectiveness of an initial consultation with a physical therapist?
Within this study, the question of initial encounters with a patient seeking treatment from a physical therapist in regards to the types of communication used and their effectiveness is depicted. These findings seek to develop a comparison between a comprehensive questioning approach as compared to a less inquisitive and vague question method when assessing, “patient's pain experience during initial encounters” (Opsommer & Schoeb, 2015, pg. 205). This study relays relevant points that align with a patient-centered care model which emphasizes a relationship oriented approach to clinical care. This clinical care is focused on treating a small sample size of patients that suffer from lower back pain and are from French speaking countries. A contrast to the relation of a biomedical care model and its difference in approach in regards to the care of patients outlines that different methods of approach when considering the quality care of patients is of the utmost importance. The theories of conversation analysis that are discussed in this study make it relatable when considering the research question posed since conversation and effective communication during consultation can be a crucial step.
Methodology
Observation notes from Opsommer and Schoeb’s provide valuable insights into actual interactions between patients and physiotherapists during initial encounters (Opsommer & Schoeb, 2015, pg. 208-217). These observation notes detail various communication styles employed by physiotherapists during initial consultation. These details help the development of a comparison between different methodologies approaches when considering communication with patients in an initial consultation. The majority of notes regarding the consultation refers to different interactions between patients. Each conversation is transcription and translation. From this style of data presentation, it is easy to notice differences in questioning by the physiotherapist clinician and the answers from the patient. Direct observation of an unspecified sample size is conducted with a common point of consultation being low back pain suffered by participating patients. This study employed an effective data collection method because simple analysis of communication and dialect between patients and clinician are well suited when considering complex social phenomena.
Data
(Opsommer & Schoeb, 2015, pg. 208)
(Sanson, 2014)
This data source is a depiction of a more western American approach to patient care and communication. It is important to note the clear similarities. A major point that is referred to within this video is a patient-centered approach that fosters active patient engagement and collaboration in treatment and decision making for treatment. This data connects to extracts 2.2 and 2.3 out of Opsommer and Schoeb's extensive study of different communication methodologies.
(Opsommer & Schoeb, 2015, pg. 210)
(Opsommer & Schoeb, 2015, pg. 209)
This data provided from the study depicts initial consultations between a physiotherapist conducting the consultation and a patient suffering from lower back pain. This section of data covers three patients that are suffering from pain and receiving consultation for possible treatment plans. As stated in the methodology, analysis of the interaction transcripts highlights a yes or no questioning methodology which aligns with the main points that can be analyzed about these processes. The interaction seems to yield simple and vague answers which may reflect the need for a different conversational approach to consulting the patient's pain and needs.
Data
(Opsommer & Schoeb, 2015, pg. 213)
(Opsommer & Schoeb, 2015, pg. 214)
This data depicts conversation between patients and physiotherapists by which the physiotherapist conducting the consultation does an adjusted analysis of the patients issues as compared to extracts 1.1, 1.2, and 1.3. As compared to the previous data sets, this data depicts a deviated approach to the consultation. It can be observed that the data transcribes a consultation that involves a more comprehensive dialogue as compared to the other data sets. This can be seen like the line of questioning such as lines 7, 8, 11, and 12 in extract 2.3 (Opsommer & Schoeb, 2015, pg. 214). This line of questioning suggests more in depth analysis of comments and answers that patients may think are adequate enough. Inquiring into more information on simple subjects can reveal the root causes of certain issues and this suggests that a method of approach could involve extensive questioning that branches in many directions.
​
Findings
The general findings of all the data reveals a correlation between methods of communication between patients and physiotherapist. This is seen by how all three data sources seek to analyze communication in regards to how a treatment plan can and should be devised to provide the best care for a patient. The data also provides a general guideline of providing a patient-centered approach to care. One observation that can be made from this data is that multiple types of cummication are important when consulting a patient and providing the best care.
​
Discussion
​
Interpretation of this study can fall under the summation of three main points. One of these points is of course an answer to the research question stated which is, how do different communication methodologies impact the effectiveness of an initial consultation with a physical therapist? This question is answered by the data provided which shows that different communication methodologies can impact the initial consultations between patients and physiotherapists. The variations in communication styles observed amongst physiotherapists highlight the need for a patient-centered approach that fosters active patient engagement and collaboration in treatment and decision making for treatment. A point that also must be acknowledged is the extent by which the study is limited. In context, this refers to the small sample size and a focus on a specific patient population with lower back pain. A solution to this point is to refer to the healthcare system in the context of recruiting a diverse patient scale and more extensive populations to enhance the generalizability of future findings. Lastly, within this study a reflection could be made by all physiotherapists alike by incorporating patient-centered approaches into their practice. Furthermore, continuing education courses may also emphasize the importance of effective communication skills in clinical settings (Thorhauer, 2024). With regards to enhancing patient care and outcomes that procede.
Another point of discussion concerning the research question of how do different communication methodologies impact the effectiveness of an initial consultation with a physical therapist is effective communication types. For this discussion, a Youtube video by Sanson explores actual methods of communication as an experienced professional in the field of physical therapy (Sanson, 2018). After analysis of the video, a clear connection could be made when comparing the methodologies suggested in Opsommer and Schoeb’s research study on low back pain patients and possible methods of communication. It is important to note that while Opsommer and Schoeb’s research is backed by a professional organization, it is also conducted in another country which may not align with all cultural cofactors when considering possible use world wide. On the other hand, Sansons video on how to communicate effectively with patients seeks to deconstruct methods of communication as used by western American clinicians (Sanson, 2014). This is significant when considering how and when to use certain communication methodologies.
​
Conclusion
In closing remarks, this research study explores a possible correlation between the role of communication in initial consultations between patients and physiotherapists Through qualitative analysis, the researchers identified variations in communication styles and highlighted the importance of patient engagement and active participation in the consultation process. By integrating patient-centered communication strategies into clinical practice, physiotherapists can enhance the overall patient experience and promote positive health outcomes. The study's implications extend beyond the specific context of physiotherapy practice, offering valuable insights for healthcare professionals across disciplines. Effective communication is crucial to building stable rapport, understanding patient needs, and fostering collaborative treatment plans. By enhancing communication skills, physiotherapists can create a more supportive and empowering environment for patients, ultimately leading to improved treatment outcomes.
​
References
Hiller A., Gueillemin M., Delany C. (2015). Exploring healthcare communication models in private physiotherapy practice. Patient Education and Counseling. 98:10, 1222-1228. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pec.2015.07.029
Opsommer E., Schoeb V. (2014), ‘Tell Me About Your Troubles’: Description of Patient–Physiotherapist Interaction During Initial Encounters, Physiother. Res. Int., 19: 205–221. DOI: 10.1002/pri.1585
Sanson A. (2018, August 18). How to Communicate Effectively in Physical Therapy. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ovsEOiLFOec
Thorhauer A. (2024). Continuing education, improvement strategies, and evidence-based physiotherapy practice. https://thorhaueralex8.wixsite.com/my-site-3