TY - JOUR
T1 - Physical therapists' perspectives on practice errors in geriatric, neurologic, or orthopedic clinical settings
AU - Cochran, Teresa M.
AU - Mu, Keli
AU - Lohman, Helene
AU - Scheirton, Linda S.
N1 - Funding Information:
In addition to use of low inference data, several standards of verification were used to enhance the trustworthiness and rigor of the study. First, bracketing efforts were attempted to identify the investigators’ preconceived assumptions about the topic area so that potential bias could be recognized before the focus groups were held and the semistructured interview format was established. Then, following each focus group and throughout the data analysis process, the authors attempted to improve their reflexivity by discussing perceptions that might influence coding and conceptualizing the data and outcomes. Specifically, the investigators understood that the topic itself might be uncomfortable to physical therapists to openly share errors they had made in practice. This project is the first in rehabilitation to receive funding from a national foundation to study errors. Although the investigators were aware of the significance of this opportunity, it was acknowledged that some professionals may find it desirable to refrain from identifying specific errors in physical therapy. The investigators strongly support the development of a culture of reporting and learning to prevent errors, but the reality is that some physical therapists have received punitive responses to the expression of errors in practice, so the topic might be perceived as extremely threatening. Finally, reflexive questioning revealed that all investigators were involved in education of physical and occupational therapy students earning the clinical doctorate (DPT, OTD). Curriculum components and graduate expectations of the clinical doctoral degree could potentially influence the authors’ expectations and outcomes from this study if the investigators were not aware of the potential.
Funding Information:
This project was supported by a grant awarded to the authors by the National Patient Safety Foundation. The authors thank the NPSF for its support and the physical therapists across the United States for their willingness to participate in this project.
Copyright:
Copyright 2009 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.
PY - 2009/1
Y1 - 2009/1
N2 - While practice errors have been studied extensively in medicine and pharmacy, little research exists in physical therapy. The purpose of this study was to explore the phenomenon of physical therapy practice errors in geriatric, adult neurologic, and orthopedic clinical settings. Thirty physical therapists with three or more years of practice experience participated in the study, representing four geographically distinct regions of the United States. Four focus groups were conducted via guided discussion questions in four different states. Collected data were transcribed and analyzed by using constant comparative method. Data analysis yielded five major themes including: 1) taxonomy of error, 2) aversive outcomes, 3) individual and systematic causes, 4) post hoc actions, and 5) prevention of future errors. Because human errors are inevitable in physical therapy practice, understanding of causes and prevention strategies is necessary to minimize harm to patients. In addition, physical therapists must recognize their role and responsibility in creating a culture of error analysis and error prevention.
AB - While practice errors have been studied extensively in medicine and pharmacy, little research exists in physical therapy. The purpose of this study was to explore the phenomenon of physical therapy practice errors in geriatric, adult neurologic, and orthopedic clinical settings. Thirty physical therapists with three or more years of practice experience participated in the study, representing four geographically distinct regions of the United States. Four focus groups were conducted via guided discussion questions in four different states. Collected data were transcribed and analyzed by using constant comparative method. Data analysis yielded five major themes including: 1) taxonomy of error, 2) aversive outcomes, 3) individual and systematic causes, 4) post hoc actions, and 5) prevention of future errors. Because human errors are inevitable in physical therapy practice, understanding of causes and prevention strategies is necessary to minimize harm to patients. In addition, physical therapists must recognize their role and responsibility in creating a culture of error analysis and error prevention.
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U2 - 10.1080/09593980802622685
DO - 10.1080/09593980802622685
M3 - Article
C2 - 19140077
AN - SCOPUS:61449130671
VL - 25
SP - 1
EP - 13
JO - Physiotherapy Theory and Practice
JF - Physiotherapy Theory and Practice
SN - 0959-3985
IS - 1
ER -