Patient Needs in Physical Therapy

Patient Needs

• Physical Needs: Involves assistance with mobility (walking, balance), transfers (chair to bed or toilet), dressing, strength, range of motion, and exercises.
• Emotional/Cognitive Needs: Includes explaining procedures, offering support, educating about medical conditions, and involving patients in goal setting and treatment plans. Ensures respect, confidentiality, and the ability to express concerns.
• Spiritual/Cultural Needs: Caregivers should acknowledge and support patients' religious or cultural beliefs, referring to counseling when necessary.

Patient/Caregiver Education

• Educate patients about their conditions using anatomy resources and reference materials.
• Discuss patients' goals for therapy to enhance engagement and tailor treatment.
• Provide Home Exercise Programs (HEP) and instructions for mobility, safety, and edema management.

Communication

• Effective communication utilizes both verbal and nonverbal methods; adaptability is key based on patient needs.
• Use layman's terms for clarity when explaining procedures, ensuring comprehension.
• Identify and address barriers to communication, such as environment factors and sensory impairments.

Safety Considerations

• Emphasize hand hygiene and proper setup of treatment spaces to prevent accidents.
• Ensure stable surfaces and trained personnel are available to assist patients.
• Maintain close supervision of patients at risk of injury and plan for all needed equipment before treatment.

Learner Objectives

• Understand appropriate communication methods with patients and healthcare team members.
• Recognize guidelines for patient treatment, including respecting cultural differences and patient rights.
• Engage in professional interactions during patient treatment simulations.

Basic Guidelines for Patient Treatment

• Introduce yourself respectfully, wearing identification.
• Address patients formally unless invited to do otherwise.
• Follow HIPAA regulations to protect patient privacy.
• Provide clear explanations of treatment procedures, including goals, instructions, and potential side effects.
• Gather patient information on condition changes and previous treatments to inform practice.
• Respect privacy during clothing removal and ensure comfortable positioning for treatment.
• Ensure patients know they can call for help at any time and understand their comfort is paramount.

Common PT Interventions

• Utilize modalities (e-stim, ultrasound), therapeutic exercises, neuromuscular re-education, manual therapy, gait training, and aquatic therapy to rehabilitate patients effectively.