Course Description:

Communication is the foundation of effective physical therapy and shared decision-making, yet patients with acquired communication disabilities like aphasia and dysarthria often receive suboptimal care due to communication barriers. This interactive session brings together a unique panel featuring a physical therapist, a speech-language pathologist, and an individual with aphasia to address this critical gap in practice. Participants will gain evidence-based, practical communication strategies specific to physical therapy contexts, from initial evaluation through collaborative goal-setting and discharge planning. The presentation will demonstrate how effective communication techniques can significantly enhance patient engagement, shared decision-making, exercise adherence, accurate symptom reporting, and ultimately functional outcomes. Attendees will learn to identify communication barriers, modify their communication approaches, utilize accessible tools and resources, and create more inclusive therapy environments that empower patients to actively participate in treatment decisions. This session aligns with APTA's commitment to patient-centered care and will empower physical therapists to become more effective communication partners in the rehabilitation process, particularly during hands-on treatments where traditional communication supports may be challenging to implement.