Patient Compliance

No matter what occupation you choose, ultimately you are a salesman selling your wares.  Even to get a job you play the role of a salesman...selling yourself to the employer.

As a PT you have to sell your product.  The first rule of selling is to figure out what is in it for your prospect.  Some people will come self motivated.  They are an easy "sell".  For those who aren't, listen to them, study them, be so bold as to ask them "Why are you here?  What do you want?"  

Find out what motivates your client, then present the therapy from that angle.  With this approach you are far more likely to lessen your frustration and improve your client's success rate.  

Therapy isn't for everyone.  If you can determine early on that therapy isn't a fit for a particular client, you'll save them money, time, and frustration.  You'll save yourself frustration and needless documentation time.  You'll open a slot for someone who will actually benefit from your services.

I worked at one clinic where we had client/therapist agreements.  We delineated the responsiblity of the therapist and the client.  Items on there included keeping appointments and following through on home programs.  We even wrote on there that not following through with their part could result in poor progress, no progress, and ultimately discharge from services.  The client had to read it, sign it, and take home a copy.  A copy stayed in their chart.  If there was someone that didn't follow through, we'd pull out our copy and show it to them.  Especially helpful when they bemoaned their poor progress!

Good luck!!

LOL yes I feel like so many patients think PT is just about what we do to/for them and not what they need to do for themselves. I will continue though because I see the true benefits and the profound roles that I have played in patients lives in such a short time. This helps to encourage me far more han those who make things discouraging. So thank you!

Dear Victoria,

I have been a physical therapist for 18 years.  The best you can do is give the instruction and education to the best of your ability.  Most importantly let the patient know why they are doing each exercise and how it will speed up their recovery.  To us it does seem like common sense - why come to therapy if you are not going to do what you are told right? Well the thing is most people want you to do everything for them.  Taking a pill is easy.  Most patients would love it if we could package exercise into the magic pill.  

Don't be discouraged.  Therapy is a very rewarding career - this is just one frustration that you need to know in your own mind that you have done all you can.  You are not in control of what the patient decides to do with that information.  Like everything else in life you have no control over someone else's behavior, all you can do is your best.

Good Luck - and have a great career