Adverse Events of Physiotherapy Interventions in Parkinsonian Patients

Abstract

Background: Physiotherapists have an ethical, professional, and regulatory responsibility for safety in all aspects of patient care. Notwithstanding, the adverse events issue has been inadequately addressed in the rehabilitation research field. Objectives: To determine the frequency and characterize the adverse events that occur during or in between physiotherapy sessions for parkinsonian syndromes. Methods: An exploratory clinical study was conducted. Physiotherapists were asked to actively report the adverse events that occurred during or between sessions for parkinsonian syndromes. Results: A total of 100 patients were enrolled in the study, which resulted in 1845 sessions. The most common adverse events reported were falls, pain/discomfort, and hypotension, with a total of 128 adverse events reported. Conclusions: During the physiotherapy sessions, adverse events do occur. Future research should clarify the relationship between AE occurrence and the type of intervention as well as causality and risk-minimization strategies.