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Boissonnault JS1, Cambier Z2, Hetzel S3, Plack M4
1Shenandoah University, Physical Therapy Division, Leesburg, United States, 2Swedish Medical Center, Physical Therapy, Seattle, United States, 3University of Wisconsin-Madison, Department of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, Madison, United States, 4George Washington University, Health Human Function and Rehabilitation Sciences, Washington D.C., United States
Background: A recent survey of US physical therapy clinicians found 84% of physical therapy (PT) respondents experienced inappropriate patient sexual behavior (IPSB) over their careers and 47% over the prior 12 months. Prevalence data justifies consideration of how best to address IPSB.
Purpose: To determine how physical therapists (PTs), physical therapist assistants (PTAs), and PT students address IPSB and to examine strategy impact.
Methods: Several sections of the American Physical Therapy Association and selected educational programs fielded an electronic survey to PTs, PTAs and physical therapy students. Respondents reported on IPSB strategy frequency and effect. Response-strategy impact was tested for statistical significance. Open-ended comments were analyzed using qualitative methods.
Results: Of 1027 respondents, 396 had experienced IPSB over the prior 12 months; 391
provided data on the frequency and effect of response strategies used. Common informal responses included distraction, ignoring IPSB and altering treatment to avoid physical contact or being alone. Common formal responses included reporting the behavior within the facility and documenting the behavior. Successful strategies included distraction, avoidance, direct confrontation, behavioral contracts, transfer of care and chaperone use. Experienced clinicians were more likely to be direct, while novice clinicians were more likely to engage in unsuccessful actions of ignoring and joking.
Conclusion(s): Among the 396 experiencing recent IPSB, successful strategies included distraction, avoidance, direct confrontation, behavioral contracts, transfer of care and chaperone use. Experienced clinicians were more likely to be direct, while novice clinicians were more likely to engage in unsuccessful actions of ignoring and joking.
Implications: The first findings in twenty years on PT response to IPSB provide direction for
the profession. Results indicate a need for clear workplace policies coupled with training for managers and supervisors to support clinicians in resolving IPSB. Policies on using behavioral contracts, chaperones and transfer of care could empower staff to consider these successful options. Entry-level PT education and training for all PT professionals on assertive communication and redirection strategies with IPSB appears warranted.
Keywords: Harassment, Inappropriate Patient Sexual Behavior, Physical Therapy
Funding acknowledgements: The section on Women´s Health, APTA provided partial funding for statistical analysis
Purpose: To determine how physical therapists (PTs), physical therapist assistants (PTAs), and PT students address IPSB and to examine strategy impact.
Methods: Several sections of the American Physical Therapy Association and selected educational programs fielded an electronic survey to PTs, PTAs and physical therapy students. Respondents reported on IPSB strategy frequency and effect. Response-strategy impact was tested for statistical significance. Open-ended comments were analyzed using qualitative methods.
Results: Of 1027 respondents, 396 had experienced IPSB over the prior 12 months; 391
provided data on the frequency and effect of response strategies used. Common informal responses included distraction, ignoring IPSB and altering treatment to avoid physical contact or being alone. Common formal responses included reporting the behavior within the facility and documenting the behavior. Successful strategies included distraction, avoidance, direct confrontation, behavioral contracts, transfer of care and chaperone use. Experienced clinicians were more likely to be direct, while novice clinicians were more likely to engage in unsuccessful actions of ignoring and joking.
Conclusion(s): Among the 396 experiencing recent IPSB, successful strategies included distraction, avoidance, direct confrontation, behavioral contracts, transfer of care and chaperone use. Experienced clinicians were more likely to be direct, while novice clinicians were more likely to engage in unsuccessful actions of ignoring and joking.
Implications: The first findings in twenty years on PT response to IPSB provide direction for
the profession. Results indicate a need for clear workplace policies coupled with training for managers and supervisors to support clinicians in resolving IPSB. Policies on using behavioral contracts, chaperones and transfer of care could empower staff to consider these successful options. Entry-level PT education and training for all PT professionals on assertive communication and redirection strategies with IPSB appears warranted.
Keywords: Harassment, Inappropriate Patient Sexual Behavior, Physical Therapy
Funding acknowledgements: The section on Women´s Health, APTA provided partial funding for statistical analysis
Topic: Professional issues; Professionalism & ethics
Ethics approval required: Yes
Institution: University of Wisconsin-Madison
Ethics committee: UW-Madison Education and Social/Behavioral Science IRB
Ethics number: 2014-1002
All authors, affiliations and abstracts have been published as submitted.
