Improving Communication Between Physical Therapists and Doctors in the Philippines
Implementing standardized communication protocols and electronic health record systems is essential to address the lack of communication between physical therapists and doctors in the Philippines, which directly impacts patient morbidity, mortality, and quality of life.
Current Communication Challenges
Communication between healthcare providers in the Philippines is currently limited to ad hoc interactions that typically address only administrative concerns, creating a fragmented care system that negatively impacts patient outcomes 1.
Physical therapists in the Philippines face significant barriers to effective communication with physicians, including lack of time, resources, skills, access to research literature, supporting administrative policies, and authority in decision making 2.
The silo system care culture in Philippine healthcare settings prevents effective interprofessional collaboration, resulting in inability to access adequate care information, delays in treatment, and inaccessible care for vulnerable patients 1.
Impact on Patient Outcomes
Poor communication between physical therapists and physicians leads to fragmented care, patient dissatisfaction, and diminished patient role in the care process 3.
Uncoordinated care results in inefficient duplication and overlap of interventions, which can increase healthcare costs and potentially harm patients 1.
The growing time pressure in healthcare settings has led providers to rely more on technology than face-to-face communication, making it challenging to fully understand and address patient needs 3.
Recommended Solutions
1. Implement Standardized Communication Protocols
Develop formal processes for communication during key transition points in care, such as initial referral, treatment phase, and discharge planning 3.
Use standardized information checklists to ensure all essential information is accurately provided between physical therapists and physicians 3.
Establish clear protocols for urgent communication when immediate physician input is needed for physical therapy care 3.
2. Leverage Technology Appropriately
Implement electronic health record (EHR) systems that allow providers to easily communicate with each other via secure messaging to collaborate regarding patient care 4.
Use telehealth platforms to facilitate communication when face-to-face meetings aren't possible, particularly important in the geographically dispersed Philippine healthcare system 3.
Ensure that electronic communication between healthcare providers occurs within established professional relationships and with appropriate documentation 4.
3. Develop Communication Skills Training Programs
Create interprofessional education opportunities that focus on collaborative practice between physical therapists and physicians 3.
Train healthcare providers on effective electronic communication that supplements but does not replace face-to-face encounters 4.
Address cultural and language barriers that may exist in the diverse Philippine healthcare environment 4.
4. Establish Governance Systems
Create a clear and committed system of governance that includes interprofessional collaboration as a core component 1.
Develop national trauma training hubs centered on regional high-profile academic centers to facilitate advanced training and communication between healthcare professionals 4.
Implement accountability measures to ensure communication protocols are consistently followed 3.
Implementation Strategies
Start with pilot programs in tertiary hospitals in the Philippines' National Capital Region, where research has shown significant communication gaps exist 2.
Focus on patient-centered communication approaches that are "respectful of, and responsive to, individual patient preferences, needs and values" 3.
Use the "I'm Late" mnemonic (Impression, Minute of silence, Listen, Acknowledge, Touch, Empathize) as a framework for effective communication between healthcare providers 4.
Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
Avoid using personal email accounts for professional communications; instead, use encrypted messages over secure network connections 4.
Recognize that electronic communication merely supplements face-to-face encounters and should not replace direct professional interaction 4.
Be aware that heavy reliance on potentially biased evidence sources (textbooks, personal observations, expert opinion) rather than research evidence is common among Filipino physical therapists and should be addressed through professional education 2.