When fostering a culture of patient safety and support, the little things can have a big impact.

A patient recently contacted the Practice Advisors to share their positive experience with a physiotherapist. They said they were nervous to attend physiotherapy treatment and thought it would be challenging to communicate with their physiotherapist.

The patient was very relieved when the PT took the time to explain the care plan, which would involve the patient being treated by a modality for 10 minutes. The physiotherapist told the patient that they would leave the room during this time but left the patient with a simple tool that helped ease their anxiety – a call bell.

The physiotherapist told the patient they could use the call bell if they were uncomfortable or had a question during treatment. The PT clarified that they would only be six feet away and would come to the room immediately if the patient used the call bell.

The patient told the Practice Advisors that this simple gesture of reassurance helped them develop trust in their physiotherapist.

The Other Side of the Spectrum

The College has also heard from patients who did not have a positive physiotherapy experience when they were unable to reach their physiotherapist or receive help during certain treatments. We highlighted one example in a previous Case of the Month, Don’t You Forget About Me.

Many patients experience some level of fear or anxiety when attending a hospital or clinic.  Often, this anxiety will increase if a patient is left alone.

If a physiotherapist is leaving a patient for a component of the treatment, they should ensure that the patient has a way to reach them if they have questions or experience any discomfort or pain. A call bell (or anything that can get the PT’s attention) easily connects the patient and physiotherapist and gives the patient the confidence that they can get help when needed. Not having this option may negatively impact the therapeutic relationship or lead to a traumatic experience for the patient, as detailed in the case above.

PTs are responsible for the safety and wellbeing of the patients in their care. Please, make sure you give call bells or buzzers to patients who are left unattended while receiving a modality or similar intervention. Remember, when it comes to patient safety and support, the little things can have a big impact.   

If you have questions, please contact the Practice Advisors at 1-800-583-5885 (extension 241).