Sunday, 17 June 2007

Patients Disliking Physiotherapists

I wanted to bring up something that I have noticed on a few placements and have also heard many other physios discussing. Sometimes when entering a patients room you see immediate disappointment on there face and patients look at you as though they are thinking “not her again” or “what is she going to make me do today”. I think that some patients generally think that physios are there to cause pain and discomfort. I always try and explain that what we are doing, wether it is stretches, walking or exercises is really important and will help them in the long run but some patients just don’t seem to be able to see beyond today. I know that we are the ones who have to encourage them to mobilise and do things that cause them discomfort and pain but we are really there to help them get better and I find that some patiens just don’t see that. Has anyone else experiences similar situations or does anyone have any tips or sayings that work for them?

3 comments:

hollie said...

hi jess,
Yes this happens all the time on my prac (oncology where people are so sick and often mobilisation and exercise are the LAST thing on their's minds). I find sometimes bringing the doctors into your reasoning why i.e the doctors have asked me to see you for this etc... or the doctors think this etc works. If there being really reluctant maybe asking the doctors to say soemthing to them in the next ward round about their physio

meg said...

Yes, something we are probably going to encounter for many years to come.. I find it easiest to brush this off and make a joke out of it. Also making the treatment as short and effective as possible.

Tell patients that they can do these exercises, then you will leave them be until tomorrow, the afternoon etc

Anonymous said...

I get it everyday too on my current prac at shents. I often give them the do or die statement and just simply say to them, if they wish to stay longer in this hospital then they don't have to come to physio. Worked every single time so far...