Which statement best describes Communication?

• A. Communicating effectively and respectfully with team members and patients
• B. Avoiding patient communication
• C. Only written communication
• D. Communicating only after sessions

Answer: (A)

Effective and respectful communication with both the care team and the patient is essential in physical therapy. This captures how communication drives safety, coordination, patient understanding, and adherence to the treatment plan. In practice, communication is ongoing: you listen to the patient, explain the plan in clear terms, check understanding, obtain informed consent, and adjust your message to the patient’s needs and health literacy. You also exchange information with other team members to ensure coordinated care and to flag any concerns early. Nonverbal cues, empathy, and culturally sensitive language all play a role in making communication effective.

Avoiding patient communication misses a core responsibility of PT practice, since education and collaboration with the patient are crucial for progress and safety. Focusing only on written communication ignores the essential spoken, nonverbal, and real-time exchanges that happen during and between sessions. Waiting to communicate only after sessions neglects the ongoing updates and adjustments that are needed as treatment progresses.