Adverse events related to physiotherapy practice: a scoping review
Yiran Wang1, Narelle Dalwood1, Melanie Farlie1,2
1Department of Physiotherapy, School of Primary and Allied Health Care, Monash University, Frankston, Victoria - Australia.
Archives of Physiotherapy
|December 30, 2024
Summary
Physiotherapy adverse events vary by practice area, with common issues including pain, stiffness, fatigue, and falls. Enhanced patient monitoring and safety measures are recommended to prevent these occurrences.
Area of Science:
- Physiotherapy
- Patient Safety
- Clinical Practice
Background:
- Adverse events in physiotherapy are possible but not well-characterized.
- Understanding the types and contexts of these events is crucial for patient safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a scoping review of adverse events in physiotherapy.
- To identify the nature and circumstances of physiotherapy-related adverse events.
Main Methods:
- Searched five electronic databases for literature from January 2014 to February 2024.
- Included studies reporting adverse events in physiotherapy interventions or assessments.
- Synthesized findings across different clinical streams.
Main Results:
- Reviewed 58 studies detailing adverse events across various physiotherapy domains.
- Musculoskeletal: increased pain, stiffness (manual therapy, exercise, electrotherapy).
- Cardiorespiratory: desaturation, hemodynamic instability (early mobilization, exercise).
- Neurological: falls, fatigue (gait/balance training, exercise).
- Oncology/Aged Care: pain, muscle strain (exercise, lymphoedema management).
- Pelvic Floor: vaginal discomfort.
Conclusions:
- Identified specific adverse events associated with physiotherapy interventions and assessments.
- Highlights the need for increased monitoring and proactive safety measures to ensure patient well-being.
