5 tips to help Physiotherapists succeed in private practice
1. Build rapport with your patients
This seems like a simple instruction but it is one that can influence your retention rates and your overall patient outcomes. If you take the time to connect with your patients, it allows them to build trust with you.
In turn, this means they are more likely to return for a second session and they will also be more compliant with your advice and exercise prescription. Make eye contact, show interest in them as a person, not only in their pain or injury, and work together to tailor their goals to them as an individual.
2. Take a thorough patient history
Listening well and asking appropriate questions shows that you are genuinely interested in what they have come to see you for. Make sure you ask the right questions that goes beyond a basic medical history.
Ask about lifestyle, work demands, stress levels, and previous injuries and treatments. It is important to know the timing of their pain, the pattern of their pain, and how it is affecting their day-to-day life.
Keep detailed notes to track progress and make informed decisions in follow-up sessions.
3. Take a comprehensive objective examination
A thorough objective examination is essential for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning. Use the information you have gathered from your patient interview to tailor your objective examination specific to your patient’s complaints.
Work through your examination in a structured way to ensure no aspect of the patient’s condition is overlooked.
Think about what tests you want to do with the patient in standing, supine and prone lying and plan your examination to minimise the number of times the patient has to change positions, especially if they are in pain.
4. Make an accurate diagnosis
Accurate diagnosis is the foundation of effective treatment. To improve your diagnostic skills you can;
Correlate findings by cross-referencing information from the patient history and objective examination to identify patterns and connections
Stay objective and avoid jumping to conclusions based on initial impressions. Stay open-minded and consider multiple possibilities before finalising your diagnosis.
Consult with colleagues (or your mentor) when needed. It is great to have a network to discuss challenging cases or seek a second opinion when necessary.
5. Communicate effectively
Describe the diagnosis, treatment plan and expected outcomes in simple, jargon-free language. Set realistic outcomes so that the patient understands the likely course of their recovery and the effort required from both sides. Create an open environment that makes your patient feel comfortable to ask questions or express any concerns
Becoming a great physiotherapist involves more than just technical skills, it requires a holistic approach to patient care. By building a rapport with patients, taking a thorough patient history, conducting a comprehensive examination, making accurate diagnoses and communicating effectively you can significantly enhance your practice and improve patient outcomes
Mentoring for Physiotherapists
Mentoring is perfect for physiotherapists who want to build confidence in a private practice setting. This can include improving your assessment skills, diagnostic competence and treatment skills. Mentoring can also help improve your patient outcomes and your patient numbers, making you an invaluable member of your physio clinic.
You may be a new graduate, a few years out of uni, or transitioning from another role, such as a physiotherapist in the hospital system and moving into private practice. Mentoring is an effective way to grow your professional physiotherapy career.
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Georgia
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