This week I have been faced with patient’s who have visitors at there bed side when it comes time for their physio session. My initial reaction was “I don’t want to interrupt, I’ll come back later”, especially when you know the patient has been in bed most of the day and very bored. Just when it comes time for physio, they have visitors to bring a little sunshine to their day. This has happened on numerous occasions with one of my patients and we were losing valuable rehab time as the patient would refuse physio if they had visitors. I consulted my supervisor and came up with a solution.
Let the patient know in advance what time you’d like to take them to the gym for physio. If you can make it around the same time each day, even better. That way they can tell visitors to try and come before or after that time.
Suggest the visitors go down to the cafeteria for a bite to eat or a drink and that physio will be done in XX amount of time. Compromise and cut the session slightly shorter if needed.
Highlight the importance of the patients physio in returning to function as soon as possible, to both the patient and the visitors.
I have put these ideas into practice and they have been working well. The patient understands the importance of their rehab and the visitors know which times are best to come in. Overall everyone seems happy and there have been fewer physio vs. visitor timetable clashes!
2 comments:
I feel it is really important to explain to patients why we are seeing them and how we can help them. This way, they tend to be more compliant and focused during treatment sessions.
Thanks for the solution jarrod! I will remember that for my cardio placement!
That is really good advice. I have had the same problems on similar occasions and I usually just offer to come back, but setting a schedule allows both parties to compromise and we are still able to get our work done.
Post a Comment