During my time in Word on the Wards, I had the opportunity to discuss a wide range of health topics with a diverse group of patients as well as promote the importance of mobility. In my first session, I discussed with a patient the topic of substance abuse, a topic I had not yet addressed with patients in either of my previous clinical experiences. I noticed many subconscious assumptions and biases I was carrying about this patient population which were quickly proven inaccurate. The patient I worked with reminded me of the importance of constantly recognizing and challenging my biases. Further, I realized how practicing and applying the motivational interviewing techniques is incredibly useful. Especially with this health topic I felt less comfortable discussing, these tools allowed me to create an open, productive, and nonjudgmental dialogue with the patient. I plan to continue utilizing these skills to help my patients achieve their health goals as a future physical therapist.
It was during my second session that I noticed another valuable skill I was honing through this experience. I saw a patient with newly diagnosed Diabetes with two pharmacy students where we were posed many different questions. The pharmacy students and I communicated well with taking lead on subjects that were more in one profession’s realm versus the other, and sharing overlapping areas. After the session, we debriefed, asking each other questions about each other’s respective areas of expertise. I utilized their knowledge of drugs to better understand the patient’s health plan while answering their questions about the effects and risks with mobilization. Together, we discussed what services might benefit the patient which we sent to the PCP. This type of collaboration is one that I will often encounter in my future career, thus practicing these communication skills is invaluable.
Reentering the hospital after over a year reminded me how much I can learn from a short period of time working with this vulnerable population. It inspired me to continue working with marginalized communities and continue practicing my ability to coach these patients to provide the best possible care. I was humbled by many of the patients’ openness and willingness to share on difficult topics. I am reminded to continue recognizing my assumptions, reflecting on their origin, and challenging them. I plan to implement what I have learned from this course in my future career as a physical therapist and remember the patients I worked with as motivation to continue improving my coaching skills.