Use this question to find out how professionally a candidate responds to a patient's needs using diagnosis, goal setting and provision of therapeutic techniques. It tells interviewers if candidates have strong medical knowledge and can communicate treatments clearly to patients.

• They communicate information clearly and methodically
• They engage the patient in sensitive, respectful discussion
• They clearly demonstrate an evidence-based approach

Answer: 'I held an appointment with a patient experiencing severe back pain. Having examined the patient carefully, I diagnosed them with muscular-skeletal tension. During our appointment, I explained the reasoning behind this diagnosis. Together, we discussed a treatment plan including safe daily movement, yoga and stress reduction techniques. I provided the patient with educational materials and reassured them that they could schedule a follow-up appointment if they felt that they were not making sufficient progress.'

This question helps interviewers learn about a candidate's interpersonal skills such as empathy and conflict resolution and how they apply them to situations where a patient is in distress. Answers give interviewers more insight into their de-escalation skills as well as their ability to create an objective dialogue with patients while respecting their personal values, preferences, beliefs and goals.

• Their ability to actively listen to an anxious patient's concerns without judgement
• They have a reassuring and calming manner
• They have an understanding and empathetic approach to patient needs

Answer: 'A patient came into my office with a sports injury. They informed me that they were training for a marathon and became agitated when I advised them to take time off training to recover. However, I was able to calm and reassure the patient by explaining how I understood their frustration, but that they would likely recover faster without long-term injuries with immediate rest. I reassured them that this would lead to better quality training as soon as the injury had healed.'

Find out about a candidate's understanding of risk prevention and management in a clinical setting. This could involve knowing how to follow authorised risk assessment procedures within the healthcare organisation. Listen to the answer to see if they:

• Regularly refresh their knowledge of authorised risk management procedures
• Approach risk management in an objective and methodical manner
• Use action plans to track, record and respond to risks and incidents

Answer: 'To manage clinical risks, I fill in a clinical health and safety risk form to make a note of current patient risks, potential individuals who may be harmed, actions taken to prevent or minimise the risk, who took the action and when. I complete this form on a monthly basis to ensure that risks are being correctly managed. If required, I also make a note of incidents that need to be escalated.'

Use this question to find out whether a candidate has the right qualifications to perform as a physiotherapist. In the UK, they also may need to be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) to practise in this capacity.

• Have they taken a relevant educational path such as a degree apprenticeship?
• Are they able to effectively communicate what they have learned during their course
• Do they take regular steps to refresh what they have learned during their studies

Answer: 'After completing my A-Levels in biology, chemistry, and maths, I studied a BSc in Physiotherapy at MNO College London. Upon successful completion of the course, I registered with the Health and Care Professions Council. To keep my knowledge up to date, I regularly read physiotherapy journals and make notes on new findings.'

Use this question to determine whether a candidate has completed any annual continuing professional development (CPD). This demonstrates a physiotherapist’s confidence in responsibilities and can help them to reduce risks.

• They have successfully completed a broad range of professional development courses
• They demonstrate confidence in the skills they have learned
• They have kept up-to-date and accurate records about training completed

Answer: 'During my previous work as a physiotherapist, I completed CPD courses in Safeguarding Level 2 for children and vulnerable adults, the Mental Capacity Act, the Mental Health Act and data protection. I took notes throughout and made a record of these to refer to in my practice. I achieved strong results and have certifications as proof of the successful completion of these courses.'

This question gives interviewers insight into a candidate’s time management skills. Physiotherapists may need these to perform well under pressure and stay on top of both patient appointments and administrative tasks like updating records.

• They understand how to organise and prioritise daily tasks
• They use calendars and management systems to keep track of responsibilities
• They keep their working environment clean and tidy

Answer: 'To stay on top of my work, I organise a daily schedule to prioritise tasks, making notes to ensure I remember them effectively. In my previous work, I used calendars and project management software to keep track of patient appointments, record appointment notes and manage Electronic Prescription Requests. If I am becoming overwhelmed by my tasks, I use stress management techniques to stay focused and productive.'

This question helps interviewers ensure the candidate has the right specialisation for the physiotherapist role they are applying for, such as geriatric or critical care. Specialisations could also include management and teaching roles.

• Have undergone additional training which allows them to specialise
• Keep up-to-date with developments in their area of specialisation
• Have worked in specialised environments such as with a sports trainer

Answer: 'Through a Chartered Society of Physiotherapy course, I underwent additional critical care training. This included Intensive Care Unit ventilation training, mobilising patients from their hospital beds and engaging patients in programmes like breathing exercises to restore their respiratory function. I then worked in intensive care environments for two years, where I gained hands-on experience putting these skills into practice.'

Consider using this question to find out more about a candidate's communication skills. Candidates with these skills are more likely to co-operate well with other healthcare professionals to provide the best patient care.

• Communicate patient needs clearly and professionally via documentation
• Confidentially share patient information using data protection best practices
• Work alongside other healthcare teams to co-ordinate effective patient care

Answer: 'I discussed a mobility rehabilitation plan with a dementia patient who had suffered a recent fall. Using electronic services, I made a note of their treatment plan in their patient records and communicated this with the admiral nurse responsible for their care. We then discussed the possibility of me having regular contact with the patient to ensure that they completed their care plan exercises.'

Learn about how a candidate delegates their responsibilities using this question. This could prove their ability to manage their tasks effectively while remaining accountable for patient care.

• Understands how to supervise support workers who have been delegated tasks
• Knows the scope of a support worker’s competencies
• Communicates effectively with support workers to ensure high standards of care

Answer: 'I regularly delegate less crucial tasks to support worker colleagues. This helps free up time and allows me to spend more time diagnosing patients and creating treatment plans. However, I supervise support workers closely to ensure they have the right level of experience and competence to perform tasks successfully.'

This question helps interviewers determine whether a physiotherapist candidate may be able to competently train others on the job. Experienced physiotherapists who can train new professionals may be useful to organisations looking to build teams.

• Have the experience required to train apprentices
• Can safely supervise apprentices and junior physiotherapists
• Have good communication and mentoring skills

Answer: 'As a senior physiotherapist in my previous practice, I planned and taught training days for junior physiotherapists. I sometimes referred patients to junior staff so they could practise assessing them. The training also involved practising therapeutic techniques on training dummies and group discussions with their peers. Following this training, I closely monitored and recorded the progress of the junior staff, providing regular feedback to support their development.'