Physiotherapists and Communication Skills

Abstract

Introduction: Communication is important in most aspects of health care, from history taking to providing information & treatment to the patient. Communication skills impacts physical therapy treatment outcome and its competence require being assessed throughout training for physiotherapists given the increasing need to improve patient outcomes. There is a growing interest in communication training within the profession of physical therapy, consequently, communication skill is central to engaging patients in a therapeutic relationship, and significantly put the patient at the middle of the care as an active participant in decision-making (Al-Juwair, 2020). A physiotherapist should possess a positive mindset and outstanding communication abilities to create a welcoming environment, cultivate trust with patients, and motivate them throughout difficult recovery journeys. Aim: The study aims to determine the knowledge and attitude of the physiotherapist towards communication skills within physical therapy sessions. Method: A quantitative, descriptive cross-sectional survey using a knowledge and attitudes questionnaire used in this study. The study was conducted among physiotherapists who are working in hospitals and centers in Khartoum State, Sudan. A purposive sampling method was used. The total number of participants was Eighty-Nine (Females 78; Males: 11). Data analysis used Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 23. The data is presented in the next chapter using tables, pie charts and columns. Study aim were explained to all participants and informed written consent form signed by participants before participating in the study. Results: Merely 6% of the participants possessed over 7 years of experience, qualifying them as experienced physiotherapists. The study revealed the total knowledge and attitude evaluation. Regarding knowledge, 11% (10/89) had moderate knowledge about communication skills while majority 89% (79/89) had high knowledge about communication skills. Regarding attitude, only 1% (1/89) has low (poor) attitude towards communication skills while 6% (5/89) has moderate attitude towards communication skills. Finally, and higher, there are 93% (83/89) has high (positive) attitude towards communication skills. Conclusion: The study had shown prevalence of high knowledge and positive attitude toward using communication skills in physical therapy sessions among Sudanese physiotherapists. Hence this study concludes that communication skills is very important for physiotherapy profession for achieving better treatment outcome. Further professional development courses related to communication skills should provide by Sudanese physiotherapists associations. Other recommendations are also discussed.