8 Key Points

The way we are taught to do an “initial examination” is neither practical nor effective.  Yes, it covers the important questions for diagnosing a patient’s problem, but it has its drawbacks. The nature of the questioning often leads to an interviewing process which is far too lengthy.

This causes a number of critical problems:

  1. Firstly, it leaves barely enough time to do the rest of the consultation, including an accurate assessment of the problem, explanation of the findings, treatment, advice and even exercise prescription.
  2. Secondly, it can cause the patient to become anxious about time and to begin to lose confidence in you as a therapist.
  3. Furthermore and most importantly, a traditional initial assessment neither facilitates nor allows time to cover the 8 key points.

These 8 key points are important to provide the best quality care for our patients and build long lasting patient rapport.

8 KEY POINTS:

  1. Am I in the right place?
  2. Can you help me?
  3. What’s wrong?
  4. How long will it take to get better?
  5. How often do I need to come?
  6. What can I do if it doesn’t get better?
  7. What are YOU going to do to help me?
  8. What can I do for myself?

Here at Enhance Physiotherapy, part of putting you first is to answer YOUR questions, not interview you.  We have come up with a unique initial consultation that answers all your questions and helps you get the answers you need to know to know that you have made the right choice.  Here’s what we think…..

These 8 key points are the questions the patient has “buzzing around” in their mind when attending a consultation. It is vital to provide answers to these questions as they are essential for building patient rapport, confidence in you as a practitioner and customer satisfaction.