A goal leading to improving communication with the patient, cross-cultural aspect

Nonverbal communication is the transmission of messages or signals through a nonverbal platform such as eye contact, facial expressions, gestures, posture, use of objects, touch and body language.  
 
Non-verbal behaviour forms the major part of communication; responses in interactions are based on the subconscious perception and interpretation of non-verbal messages. Through intuition and experience, most physiotherapists develop the skills necessary to aid their understanding of the behaviour and responses of patients. Increased awareness of non-verbal skills and the importance of their use will enhance both the physiotherapist-patient relationship and the quality of treatment. (Hargreaves 1982) 
 
In physiotherapy, communication that actively involves the patient is seen as the foundation of patient-centered treatment. Research on communication in physical therapy highlights how patients’ opportunity to actively participate is often limited by the therapists’ focus on biomedical facts and clinical tasks. Physiotherapists’ self-awareness around communication and how to get in touch with patients. Good communication is pointed to by patients as important for feeling involved in the treatment process and for their participation (Cooper 2007). In general, the literature on patient centeredness in physical therapy commonly emphasizes the fact that physical therapy practice is heavily rooted in the culture of medicine, and that physical therapists often feel insecure when moving beyond their field of expertise—i.e., the physical body—and communicating with patients about their social and emotional life. (Mudge et al 2014) 
 
Learning objectives:  
 

1. To get familiar with non-verbal communication  
2. To identify a relevance of non-verbal communication between patient and physiotherapist from the client-centred physiotherapy approach 
3. To become aware of physiotherapist’s own and patient’s behaviour and communication 
    
    
   Non-verbal communication is described more widely in e-manual.