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Effective communication between physiotherapists and patients is a key factor influencing
treatment success, patient satisfaction, and overall quality of care. However, various barriers often hinder this
interaction, especially among physiotherapy interns who are still developing their professional communication
skills.
An observational study was conducted among 94 physiotherapy interns and 94 patients from the Pune
region over a period of six months. Participants were selected using convenience sampling and assessed through
a self-made questionnaire. The data were analysed using Microsoft Excel 2019, focusing on determinants such
as language, culture, personality, compliance, gender, and age.
The results showed that communication is shaped more by personal and behavioural factors than by
language or culture. Physiotherapy interns felt that patient personality
(mean score = 2.88) and compliance (mean score = 2.84) were the main barriers, while patients found gender
differences (mean score = 2.81) to be more challenging.
This study highlights that communication goes beyond just words; it depends on understanding,
empathy, and mutual respect. By improving communication skills, building emotional awareness, and
encouraging open dialogue, physiotherapy interns can create a more trusting and supportive environment for
patients. This can lead to smoother rehabilitation, better satisfaction, and stronger therapeutic relationships.
Physiotherapy, Communication barriers, Patient satisfaction, Interns, Healthcare communication.
Communication is a complex, ever-evolving process that involves more than just words — it includes tone, body
language, and empathy.
[12]
In healthcare, strong communication skills are important; they help reduce patient
anxiety and improve understanding of treatment plans.
[2]
According to Hills and Kitchen, the quality of
communication directly impacts patient safety, the standard of care provided, and overall satisfaction with
healthcare services.
[3][4]
In physiotherapy, communication forms the foundation of effective treatment. Defined by World Physiotherapy,
the profession focuses on maximising movement and physical potential through a collaborative, patient-centred
approach.
[7]
Building trust and working together toward shared goals requires active listening, empathy, and
clarity. When physiotherapists truly understand a patient’s perspective, they can tailor care more effectively and
empower patients to take an active role in their recovery.
ISSN No. 2454-6194 | DOI: 10.51584/IJRIAS |Volume X Issue X October 2025
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However, communication in clinical settings is not always easy. Misunderstandings between physiotherapists
and patients can lead to preventable errors and lower-quality care. Factors such as patient distress, time pressures,
heavy workloads, and fear of legal consequences can make meaningful conversations difficult. Encouraging
open, honest, and compassionate dialogue helps overcome these barriers and strengthens the therapeutic
relationship.
[9]
Physiotherapy education, including the Bachelor of Physiotherapy (B.P.T) program, emphasises both technical
expertise and the development of interpersonal skills.
[11][12]
Through clinical placements and supervised practice,
students learn how to communicate with empathy and professionalism. By exploring the challenges that hinder
effective communication and developing strategies to address them, physiotherapists can deliver safer, more
personalised, and patient-centred care — ultimately supporting better recovery and satisfaction
[10]
.
This is an observational study. A self-made questionnaire was designed for both physiotherapy interns and the
patients, and was approved by the institutional ethical committee of the college. The questionnaire was then
distributed to the patients and physiotherapy interns from the Pune region.
A total of 188 samples were recruited via convenience sampling. Out of which 94 samples were physiotherapy
interns, and 94 samples were patients. Participants were required to meet the inclusion and exclusion criteria to
ensure the validity of the results. The questionnaire was distributed to the participants, and they were asked to
fill it out accordingly.
Before commencing the study, the participants were fully informed about the confidentiality of their personal
information, and they were assured that their participation in the study was entirely voluntary.
All the data was analysed using Microsoft Excel 2019. Data is presented in the form of frequency and percentage
tables. Graphical presentation is used wherever required.
The research aimed to identify the perceived barriers to communication between physiotherapy interns and
patients in the hospital.
A total of 94 physiotherapy interns and 94 patients participated in the study. Among the physiotherapy interns,
79% were female and 21% were male, with ages ranging from 21 to 30 years. Among patients, 68% were female
and 32% were male, with ages ranging from 16 to 75 years. Graphs depicting age distribution and gender
provided a comprehensive overview of the participant characteristics.
Figure 1: Gender distribution of physiotherapy interns
Interpretation: Out of 94 subjects, 74 were female and 20 were male, which is 79% and 21% of the total
physiotherapy interns, respectively.
21%
79%
MALE
FEMALE
ISSN No. 2454-6194 | DOI: 10.51584/IJRIAS |Volume X Issue X October 2025
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Figure 2: Gender distribution of patients
Interpretation: Out of 94 subjects, 64 were female and 30 were male, which is 68% and 32% of the total patients,
respectively.
The findings revealed that the physiotherapy interns considered personality (mean score 2.88) and compliance
(mean score = 2.84) as more significant barriers to communication. At the same time, patients saw gender (mean
score 2.81) as a greater barrier to communication. This indicates different perspectives on barriers to effective
communication between physiotherapy interns and patients.
Table 1: Distribution of barriers to communication among physiotherapy interns towards patients
Language
2.38
2.38 ± 0.17
Culture
2.36
2.36 ± 0.29
Personality
2.88
2.88 ± 0.43
Compliance
2.84
2.84 ± 0.10
Gender
2.39
2.39 ± 0.66
Figure 3: Graphical representation of the distribution of barriers to communication among physiotherapy interns
towards patients.
Interpretation: Personality and compliance of patients are seen as moderate barriers by physiotherapy interns.
32%
68%
MALE
FEMALE
2.38
2.36
2.88
2.84
2.39
0.00
1.00
2.00
3.00
4.00
5.00
LANGUAGE CULTURE PERSONALITY COMPLIANCE GENDER
BARRIERS OF COMMUNICATION IN PHYSIOTHERAPY INTERNS
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Table 2: Distribution of barriers to communication among patients towards physiotherapy interns.
Language
2.28
2.28 ± 0.42
Culture
1.54
1.54 ± 0.20
Personality
1.87
1.87 ± 0.70
Compliance
2.25
2.25 ± 0.70
Gender
2.81
2.81 ± 1.06
Figure 4: Graphical representation of the distribution of barriers to communication among patients towards
physiotherapy interns.
Interpretation: The Gender of the physiotherapy intern is seen as a moderate barrier by the patients.
Effective communication forms the foundation of all healthcare professions, influencing the quality and
perception of care. In physiotherapy, communication is particularly crucial due to its interactive nature and the
need for collaboration between the therapist and patient.
This study explored perceived barriers to communication between physiotherapy interns and patients. Among
the key challenges identified were language, culture, personality, compliance, and gender differences. These
factors can hinder therapeutic relationships and affect the overall quality of care.
Personality traits and patient non-compliance emerged as moderate barriers reported by physiotherapy interns.
Emotional states such as depression, anxiety, fear or anger can obstruct open dialogue.
[4] [19]
36 % of patients skip
physiotherapy sessions due to burnout, perceived lack of benefit, or emotional strain, while non-compliance and
poor interpersonal communication lead to reduced care quality.
[2]
Gender differences also influenced communication, with patients—particularly females—reporting discomfort
when treated by interns of the opposite gender. The impact of sociocultural norms on comfort levels in
gendersensitive healthcare interactions was also seen.
[1] [10] [16]
Although language and cultural barriers were minimal in this study due to a linguistically homogeneous
population, Del Pino et al. found such issues to be major obstacles in multicultural contexts, underscoring the
importance of considering local demographics when addressing communication challenges.
[16]
2.28
1.54
1.87
2.25
2.81
0.00
1.00
2.00
3.00
4.00
5.00
LANGUAGE CULTURE PERSONALITY COMPLIANCE GENDER
BARRIERS OF COMMUNICATION IN PATIENTS
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Physiotherapy interns perceived patient personality and non-compliance as greater barriers than patients
themselves did. It was observed that personality clashes and lack of cooperation often challenge physiotherapy
students, highlighting the need for improved communication training.
[12] [13]
Overall, these findings suggest that communication barriers in physiotherapy arise from both interpersonal and
contextual factors. Strengthening communication skills education, especially around empathy, compliance
management, and gender-sensitive interaction, can foster trust and better treatment outcomes. A patient-centred
approach remains essential for effective rehabilitation and professional development in physiotherapy.
The study concludes that among 94 physiotherapy interns (21% male, 79% female) and 94 patients (32% male,
68% female), the physiotherapy interns considered personality (mean score 2.88) and compliance (mean score
= 2.84) as more significant barriers to communication. At the same time, patients saw gender (mean score 2.81)
as a greater barrier to communication. This indicates different perspectives on barriers to effective
communication between physiotherapy interns and patients.
First of all, I would like to thank the Almighty God for his enduring grace, wisdom, guidance, and protection
during this research project. I am extremely grateful to my parents for their love, prayers, care and sacrifices for
educating and preparing me for my future.
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Dr. Albin Jerome (PT), the Principal of my college and my guide,
for his constant support, motivation, tireless effort and direction to ensure that the study was completed on time.
Last but not least, I extend my gratitude to Miss. Rachel Dsouza, Miss. Diksha Shetty, Miss. Cyra Tuscano, my
Amigos and my seniors for motivating and helping me to the extremes and for creating a healthy work
atmosphere that made it possible for me to complete my project successfully.
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