Communication techniques for
improved acceptance and adherence
with therapeutic footwear

Van Netten, JJ; Francis, A; Morphet, A; Fortington, LV; Postema, K; Williams, AE

Abstract

Background and aim: Clients’ acceptance and adherence with orthoses can be influenced by a clinician’s communication
skills. In this clinical note, we describe two communication techniques, in the context of therapeutic footwear.
Technique: Person-centred communication involves engaging with and listening to the attitudes of the client towards their
condition, as well as discussing acceptance and expectations, in a structured consultation. Building a relationship is crucial
and requires clients to feel heard and understood. An important influence on the acceptance and adherence is that a client
makes a conscious decision to receive their device. This active receipt can be facilitated through shared decision making,
wherein clinicians give clear, relevant and meaningful examples, based on clinical evidence, and ensure this is understood.
Discussion: Two communication techniques for clinicians providing therapeutic footwear are described. These can be
adapted for use with provision of other assistive technologies to improve client acceptance and adherence.

Citation

with therapeutic footwear. Journal of Prosthetics and Orthotics, 41(2), 201-204. https://doi.org/10.1177/0309364616650080

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Mar 3, 2016
• Online Publication Date: Jun 9, 2016
• Publication Date: Jun 9, 2016
• Deposit Date: Jun 17, 2016
• Publicly Available Date: Dec 9, 2016
• Journal: JPO: Journal of Prosthetics and Orthotics
• Print ISSN: 1040-8800
• Publisher: Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins
• Volume: 41
• Issue: 2
• Pages: 201-204
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/0309364616650080
• Publisher URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0309364616650080
• Related Public URLs: http://journals.lww.com/jpojournal/pages/default.aspx