The Importance of Multiple Communication Mediums in Physical Therapy

The first patient we had go “30 for 30” or 100% engagement didn’t want to talk to us about their experience - now, how does that make sense? In short, the patient is very hard of hearing and self-conscious about how they sound so the reason why they did not want to speak with us, is exactly why SaRA Health augmented this patient’s experience and the therapist’s ability to connect with this patient.

Introduction

Communication is essential to human interaction, and it becomes even more critical when working with individuals with disabilities. In the field of physical therapy, communication is key to ensuring that patients receive the care they need. However, not all patients communicate in the same way, so therapists must be aware of the different communication mediums available and how to use them to provide the best care possible.

Benefits of Multiple Communication Mediums in Physical Therapy

Having multiple communication mediums available in physical therapy is essential because it allows therapists to tailor their approach to each patient. For example, some patients may have difficulty speaking or understanding spoken language, making text, visual aids such as pictures, or videos a useful tool for communication. On the other hand, some patients may have difficulty seeing or hearing, so tactile cues or written instructions may be more effective. By having multiple communication options available, therapists can ensure that each patient receives the information they need to participate in their treatment fully.

Another benefit of having multiple communication mediums available is that it can improve patient engagement and motivation. When patients feel that their needs and preferences are being met, when you are meeting them where they are at, they are more likely to be invested in their treatment and work harder to achieve their goals. For example, a patient who is more comfortable with written instructions may be more likely to complete their exercises at home if they have a written plan to follow.

Ensuring Accessibility for All Patients

While having multiple communication options available is essential, it's also important to ensure that these options are accessible to all patients. This means considering factors such as language barriers, literacy levels, and physical impairments. For example, providing instructions in multiple languages or using simple, easy-to-read language can make a significant difference for patients with limited literacy. Additionally, ensuring that visual aids are accessible to patients with visual impairments by providing audio descriptions or tactile cues can make a big difference in their ability to participate fully in their treatment.

Conclusion

In conclusion, having multiple communication mediums available is crucial to providing effective physical therapy care to individuals with varying levels of ability and disability. By considering each patient's unique needs and preferences, therapists can ensure that they receive the information and support they need to achieve their goals. By prioritizing accessibility and inclusivity in communication, therapists can build stronger relationships with their patients and ultimately improve outcomes.

How are you building multiple communication mediums into your practice? And, if the answer is giving out all of your personal contact information, let me know because we may be able to help you with that.