Communication PTA

What is a Therapeutic relationship?

A relationship that is developed between the PT/PTA and the patient/client, that relies on effective communication.

What are the components to Active listening?

○ Listen, process, summarize

○ Ask open-ended questions

○ Do not ask leading questions

What are the Active listening Skills?

• Restatement

• Reflection

• Clarification

What is Restatement?

Repeating what the patient says without interpretation.

What is Reflection?

Repeating back to the patient what you believe they mean, adds interpretation

What does Clarification do in PT?

Gives the patient an opportunity to correct the interpretation

What are general communication barriers?

• Written - illegible, too technical, lack of visual aides

• Lacking clarity or organization

• Language differences / cultural differences

• Unintentional non-verbal communication

What are communication barriers common in healthcare?

• Understanding medical terms

• Patient fear of healthcare/providers

• Language differences / cultural differences (Who is translating?)

What terms do we avoid when comminicating with the patient and why?

We avoid using the word Never and Always, because it those terms tend to lead to defensive responses.