Inappropriate Patient Sexual Behaviors Toward Physical Therapy Students: A Survey of Recent Graduates

This study sought to estimate the prevalence of inappropriate patient sexual behaviors (IPSBs) directed toward physical therapy students in the United States. Secondary objectives were to estimate whether IPSB is primarily performed by individuals with cognitive impairments, whether students report IPSB, whether students find their clinical instructor (CI) or faculty members' responses helpful, and whether students receive training on IPSB in school. A survey was distributed to 793 individuals who had graduated from physical therapy programs in the United States within the prior year. Respondents were asked if they had experienced specific IPSBs during their clinical experiences, the cognitive status of the individuals engaging in those behaviors, and whether they told anyone about their worst experience. If a respondent told a CI or a faculty member, they were asked if that individual's response was helpful. 68 responses were received, and 80.9% reported experiencing IPSB. For most inappropriate behaviors, respondents indicated that cognitively intact individuals were the most common offenders. 62% of respondents reported their worst experience of IPSB to their CIs, but only 8% reported the experience to faculty. When reported, most respondents found their CI or faculty member's response helpful. Over half received training on IPSB in school.