How do you educate your patients?
"Like myself, I think most patients learn best by doing so I openly take a hands on approach to educating my patients on the therapy they receive. If I was teaching a patient how to do standing quadricep stretches, I would first demonstrate to them by doing it as well as demonstrating different balance techniques. Then, I would request that they try it. "
"Over my career, I've learned that education to patients is best delivered by helping them understand the reason why they are doing something. Without being too technical, I explain the physiology in layman's terms while stressing the importance of each step in the process. I've found that as long as a patient understands why they are asked to do something, they become much more receptive to it."
The interviewer wants to hear how you assist your patients with their physical therapy needs. The first thing you need to tell the interviewer is that you determine the patient's learning style. Instead of re-inventing the wheel, tell the interviewer that you take advantage of technology when appropriate. You keep family members in the loop and occasionally check in with patients to ensure that they understand your information.
"Fist I evaluate how my patient learns best: verbally, visually or both. Once I have identified how to best educate my patients I encourage a question and answer session so they leave with all of their questions answererd."
Community answers are written by other candidates practicing this set. Reading how others frame the same question is one of the fastest ways to sharpen your own.
Anonymous Answer
First of all, I find it important to explain in very simple words what my patients need to do and the reasons why. Then I demonstrate each of the exercises I have added to their treatment plan, and then I ask them to do them themselves in order to correct them in case they make a technical mistake. Also, I always encourage them to ask questions in case they didn't understand something that I said, so we could be sure that they received the information correctly."
Rachelle's Feedback
It sounds like you are very understanding, and take the time with your patients. Very good answer!
"It's important to explain in straightforward words what my patients need to do, and the reasons why. I demonstrate each of the exercises I have added to their treatment plan, and then I ask them to do the exercises in front of me so that I can make any corrections. I always encourage my patients to ask questions in case they don't understand something that I said. This way, I can be sure that they received the information correctly."
