Communication Strategies – Effective Communication

Thank you for watching Module 2 – Effective Communication Techniques in the Transitioning to Practice in Ontario learning series. Please take some time to reflect on what you learned by answering the questions below. You can check your answers at the end. We have also linked some helpful resources at the bottom to help support ongoing learning.

1.Effective communication as a physiotherapist involves:	A. Speaking clearly and concisely	B. Listening actively, to build trust and foster an exchange of information	C. Using and responding to body language appropriately	D. All of the above	Correct Answer: D There are many interconnected elements of effective communication, and these are essential competencies for physiotherapists.
2.Examples of poor communication that may compromise care include:	A. Not introducing yourself to the patient	B. Not giving the patient your full attention when speaking to them	C. Interrupting the patient	D. All of the above	Correct Answer: D All of these are examples of poor communication that can negatively impact the physiotherapist/patient relationship.
3.“Have you been having any pain this week?” is an example of an open-ended question	True	False	Correct Answer: False This is a closed-ended question since it directs a patient to only answer “yes” or “no” and not provide additional details that are important or helpful for the assessment.
4.“How have you felt while you have been walking this last week?” is an example of an open-ended question	True	False	Correct Answer: True Starting a question with “how” invites the patient to provide a more detailed response including subjective observations. This can provide important information for the assessment and diagnosis.
5.Aspects of open body language include:	A. Facing the patient and maintaining appropriate eye contact	B. Not crossing your arms and using natural hand gestures	C. Nodding appropriately in response to what the patient says	D. All of the above	Correct Answer: D Open body language involves many different elements that help patients recognize that they are the centre of the physiotherapist’s attention, and that the PT is truly interested in them and what they are communicating.
6.Rapport and trust are integral to effectively communicating with patients.	True	False	Correct Answer: True Ineffective communication does not provide patients with the reassurance they need to believe the physiotherapist is interested in them and their wellbeing. As a result, the PT will have difficulty building rapport and trust with the patient.
7.“Checking-in” with patients involves:	A. Confirming they have submitted all required paperwork and insurance documents for payment reimbursement	B. Collecting relevant medical and health record documents to include in the chart	C. Asking them to summarize and repeat back instructions to confirm their understanding, and giving them an opportunity to ask questions	D. All of the above	Correct Answer: C Checking-in is a communication technique that engages patients in a conversation through reflection, summarizing, and providing opportunities for clarification or further discussion.

Additional resources:

How to avoid misunderstandings in a clinical setting (video)

College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: Communication Skills Resource

Canadian Medical Protective Association Resource on Patient-Physician Communication

Making a Connection – The College of Physiotherapists of BC

Check Answers

Communication Strategies – Effective Communication

Correct Answer: D

There are many interconnected elements of effective communication, and these are essential competencies for physiotherapists.

Correct Answer: D

All of these are examples of poor communication that can negatively impact the physiotherapist/patient relationship.

Correct Answer: False

This is a closed-ended question since it directs a patient to only answer “yes” or “no” and not provide additional details that are important or helpful for the assessment.

Correct Answer: True

Starting a question with “how” invites the patient to provide a more detailed response including subjective observations. This can provide important information for the assessment and diagnosis.

Correct Answer: D

Open body language involves many different elements that help patients recognize that they are the centre of the physiotherapist’s attention, and that the PT is truly interested in them and what they are communicating.

Correct Answer: True

Ineffective communication does not provide patients with the reassurance they need to believe the physiotherapist is interested in them and their wellbeing. As a result, the PT will have difficulty building rapport and trust with the patient.

Correct Answer: C

Checking-in is a communication technique that engages patients in a conversation through reflection, summarizing, and providing opportunities for clarification or further discussion.

Additional resources: