What does effective communication involve?

• A. Preventing opposing treatment and enabling clinicians to build off of one another within sessions
• B. Avoiding documentation
• C. Communicating with team members disrespectfully
• D. Only speaking to patients, not families

Answer: (A)

Effective communication in physical therapy means clear, respectful, timely sharing of information among the care team, and with patients and families, so care is coordinated and safety is maintained. It involves preventing conflicting treatments and allowing clinicians to build on one another’s observations and interventions within sessions, which helps the team move toward common goals smoothly. Good communication also includes proper documentation and involving families when appropriate, to provide a complete picture of the patient’s status and plans. The other options don’t fit because avoiding documentation disrupts continuity of care, disrespectful communication harms teamwork and safety, and limiting conversations to patients while excluding families misses important context and support that can influence outcomes.