Komunikacja w fizjoterapii jako narzędzie terapeutyczne w pracy z pacjentem

Background. The significance of communication in the work of physiotherapists is currently under discussion. On the one hand, it is considered as a factor in the quality of therapy in terms of the patient’s satisfaction. On the other hand, its significance is not recognized as an important factor affecting the treatment itself. Undoubtedly, it would be advisable to establish a consensus on this issue. An appropriate communication model tailored to the needs of each patient may prove useful in this respect. However, in order to achieve results, it is necessary to acquire professional knowledge on the principles of medical communication models and the ability to apply them in practice. The aim of the study was to assess the feasibility of incorporating therapeutic values contained in medical models of communication into therapy based on an analysis of empirical research (taking into account the following models: biomedical, holistic, humanistic, linear, interactive and transactional). Material and methods. A humanistic method of analysis according to which the collected material was first analyzed (the essential concepts associated with the title issue were selected, and the research issue appropriate for the chosen subject was established). In the second stage, the analysis was subjected to empirical study (internal and external analysis) and the findings were compared with the assumptions of the medical models of communication. Results. As a result of the analysis, it was confirmed that holistic, humanistic and interactive models can be a useful tool for a physiotherapist in working with a patient (if the specific type of communication is intentionally used for therapeutic purposes). The basic material to be analysed in terms of empirical study was compiled using the employee’s access to the resources of PubMed MEDLINE and the Library of Medicine at the Jagiellonian University in Krakow. Conclusions. With the welfare of the patients in mind, the most appropriate models of communication implemented in the course of therapy are the humanistic, holistic and interactive models.