[Public health requirements in physical therapy]

Physiotherapy involves manifold measures that are partly not clearly separated from other methods of therapy. In most cases the skin or mucosa are not injured so that the danger of infectious complications is relatively low. On the other hand, patients with severe underlying diseases which are problematic from the aspect of hygiene in connection with infections, may have to be treated (for example, intensive-care patients, patients with decubital ulcers etc.) In such patients physiotherapy must comply with hygienic precautions that are employed with other diseases and treatments to prevent the transfer of pathogens. Special rules govern the composition of the water and the servicing of equipment used in hydrotherapy (German DIN standard specification No. 1964). Guidelines for the water used in municipal swimming pools and baths are in preparation. Other rules to be observed concern the recognition, treatment and prevention of nosocomial infections. In addition, every establishment must set up definite rules for regular measures to prevent infections and to monitor these measures, especially with regard to cleaning and disinfecting.