On a previous prac i observed several therapists treating a 10yo boy who had a variety of neurological problems. The child was often non-compliant in treatment sessions and regularly punched the therapists in frustration and anger. I felt the reason for this is that the therapists' rewards, instructions, intonation and consequences were innapropriate for this child. I believe they treated this boy like he was much younger than he was.
I decided to talk to the child's clinical psychologist about her opinion on the therapists management of this child. I was glad to hear that the clinical psychologist felt the same way about this matter. In a series of discussions about this i told the clinical psychologist that i did not feel comfortable talking to my supervisor about the appropriateness of the treatment sesssions. Together we compiled a list of recommendations that could would be more appropriate for the child in the treatment session. Following this the Clinical Psychologist presented these recommendations to the therapists'. Several of the recommendations were implented and resulted in greater patient compliance, no more hitting in treatment sessions and improved patient-therapist rapport.
I decided to not discuss this issue directly wiht my supervisor as i didnt feel comfortable at the time. This may have been different if i had known my supervisor for longer than a week and if i was a qualified physiotherapist.
I feel that i acted appropriately by discussing this issue with a health professional that is well educated in this area of health care. If i encountered this situation again i would act in the same manner (providing i was still a student...).
1 comment:
That was a very wise move, Luca! I believe everybody (including the child, the therapist and yourself) benefited from that. We, as students, often think that it is too difficult to make any changes since we are considered inferior to our supervisors, but your experience demonstrates otherwise. Thanks! =)
Post a Comment