Week 3

S: This week I was given an 82 yr old female who presented with chronic bilateral back pain whilst hanging out the washing and upon examination it was found that the patient had bilateral pelvic fractures but with no history of falls. The patient had a history of cardiac failure and a failed L TKR which resulted in a fixed knee extension deformity. The patient also had a complex medical history of diabetes, anxiety and depression, low motivation, and was reluctant to participate in physio.

T: My task this week was to carry out a treatment session based on my initial assessment, which included improving the patient’s balance and ambulation

A: I had to use my communication skills to encourage the patient to participate in the physio session and explain the benefits of it. I explained that changes will take some time and tried to motivate the patient. Once I got the patient’s consent, I continued to encourage and reassure the patient during the session as she became very anxious and apprehensive.

R: The result of my communication to the patient enabled patient consent to physio and to participate in the session

E: Although I was able to gain consent from the patient, the physio session was not as productive as the patients apprehension and anxiety proved to be a large barrier towards treatment.

S: I was able to ask my supervisor for advice on how to manage a patient with low compliance and apprehension and employ these to encourage the patient.