Bridging the Gap between Patient and Physical Therapist: Emphasis on Good Communication Skills in Assessment and Rehabilitation to Improve the Overall Quality of Life

Abstract

A mode of interaction between two individuals is “Communication”, while the ability to perform an act with

expertise is defined as “Skill”. Thus, communication when used with skills in healthcare practise to render

positive results towards patient’s wellbeing, are categorised as “Good communication skills”. These skills

form the basis for collecting vast and relevant information from the patient which is later put to tabulation

and finally reaching the goal of implementation of evident therapeutic interventions. Good communication

skills executed by Physical therapist help in developing effective treatment protocols followed with their

timely modifications. The moment a patient steps in to consult a therapist, the first visual contact between

the therapist and patient should impart confidence to the patient which ease to develop a positive attitude

towards healthy living. In the last few decades, extensive research have been done on aspects of developing,

implementation and analysing productive communication skills in different countries. With research

focussing on different parameters as basis for good communication skills, the author in the present article

would like to brush up with the existing and incorporate new skills to be used for effective communication

between patients of any age groups and therapist.