They missed their exercises. What do you say next?
A patient tells you they did not do their home exercises. That tells you what they report, not what got in the way.
A suggested opening: "Thanks for telling me. Can you walk me through what happened?"
Let the patient answer before offering a list of possible explanations. If the report is unclear, ask whether they started any of the exercises.
The useful distinction: a missing entry in an app is not the same as a patient saying they did no exercise. Describe only what the record actually shows.
Reflect the concern they describe, then agree on what to work through next. If they report symptoms, assess them during the visit. This is not advice to continue through pain.
The evidence has limits. A review of communication across healthcare settings associated listening and questions with a stronger therapeutic relationship. It does not prove this opening question improves home-exercise adherence.
These are suggested words, not a real conversation or a trial-tested script. Adapt them to the patient and use your clinical judgment.
Read the communication review · Read the full HepBuddy guide