PhysiotherapistInterview Answers

I begin with a thorough subjective assessment: history of the complaint, nature and behaviour of symptoms, aggravating and easing factors, 24-hour pattern, prior episodes and treatment, social history, and screening for red flags and yellow flags (psychosocial factors). The objective assessment follows: observation, active and passive range of motion, neurological testing, palpation, and special tests specific to the region. I synthesise findings into a working diagnosis, explain it in plain language, and collaborate with the patient to build a management plan that addresses both their impairments and their goals.

I first review my assessment — did I miss something, or has the presentation changed? I screen for red flags, consider whether a differential diagnosis needs to be explored, and review the exercise program to ensure it's appropriately loaded. I also explore yellow flags more carefully — fear of movement, low self-efficacy, and psychosocial factors significantly impact rehabilitation outcomes. I may consider referral to a pain specialist, psychologist, or GP. I'm transparent with the patient about the review and involve them in decision-making.

Exercise is the cornerstone of physiotherapy treatment for most conditions. I prescribe based on the tissue healing stage, the patient's capacity, and their goals. I use principles of progressive overload, specificity, and reversibility. I explain the rationale clearly so patients understand why the exercise works — educated patients adhere better. I prescribe manageable dosages: two or three exercises done well consistently outperforms an eight-exercise program done inconsistently. I review and progress at every session and modify based on response.

I explore their understanding and expectations first — often reluctance comes from fear (of pain, of making things worse), previous poor experiences with healthcare, or a mismatch between what they expected and what I'm recommending. I use motivational interviewing principles: open questions, reflective listening, and exploring ambivalence without confrontation. I start with interventions the patient is comfortable with and build trust gradually. Shared decision-making respects autonomy and tends to produce better engagement than prescribing without collaboration.

I communicate proactively — written reports to GPs after initial assessment and at discharge, verbal handoffs in multidisciplinary meetings, and prompt response to referral queries. In a multidisciplinary team, I contribute the physiotherapy perspective clearly while being open to learning from other disciplines. I know my scope and refer appropriately — when I suspect a structural or systemic issue outside my scope, I refer without delay. Good collaboration is about communication and knowing your role within the broader team.

I have experience with [stroke, TBI, Parkinson's, spinal cord injury] in [acute/subacute/outpatient] settings. I'm trained in [NDT/Bobath/task-specific training] and apply neuroplasticity principles — high-repetition, task-specific practice with appropriate intensity. I focus on meaningful goals: returning to walking, improving upper limb function, or maintaining independence with daily activities. I collaborate closely with OT, speech pathology, and nursing in team-based neurological care. I use validated outcome measures — MAS, NIHSS, Fugl-Meyer — to track progress.

I maintain my AHPRA registration with annual CPD requirements (30+ hours). I read key journals (JOSPT, BJSM, PTJ) and use tools like PEDro and the Cochrane Library for systematic reviews. I attend conferences (APA, Sports Australia) and complete structured courses for clinical upskilling. I'm also part of a practice journal club where we critically appraise recent research. Evidence-based practice means integrating the best available evidence with clinical expertise and patient values — not just doing whatever the most recent paper says.

I maintain accurate, contemporaneous clinical notes that justify billing and would withstand audit. I'm familiar with Medicare (enhanced primary care plans, chronic disease management), DVA billing, WorkCover (state-specific requirements), NDIS service agreements, and private health fund processing. I bill accurately and ethically — I never bill for services not provided. I maintain my AHPRA registration and professional indemnity insurance, and I keep abreast of relevant regulatory changes through APA membership.