Department of Physical Therapy Faculty Articles
PubMed Identifier
15974509
Risk Management Strategies in Physical Therapy: Documentation to Avoid Malpractice
Publication Title
International Journal of Health Care Quality Assurance
ISSN
1366-0756
Publication Date
1-1-2005
Keywords
Ambulatory Care, Documentation, Malpractice, Medical Records, Physical Therapy Specialty, Risk Management, United States
Abstract
PURPOSE: This article aims to highlight the importance of a complete and accurate medical record as it pertains to potential risk exposure in the outpatient physical therapy profession.
DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: Basic charting rules, correction and alteration recommendations, documentation of telephone conversations, informed consent, exculpatory release forms and incident reports are discussed. Basic risk management strategies are reviewed that may reduce outpatient physical therapy practitioners' malpractice exposure.
FINDINGS: The authors contend that quality and thorough documentation is as important as the quality of the care that is delivered to patients, since medical records are legal documents and serve as valuable evidence as to what transpired between patients and the healthcare providers.
ORIGINALITY/VALUE: Practical documentation strategies are described in a manner that will inform physical therapists of their legal obligations relating to patient care.
DOI
10.1108/09526860510588151
Volume
18
Issue
2-3
First Page
123
Last Page
130
Disciplines
Medicine and Health Sciences
NSUWorks Citation
Lucado, Ann M and Kolber, Morey J., "Risk Management Strategies in Physical Therapy: Documentation to Avoid Malpractice" (2005). Department of Physical Therapy Faculty Articles. 59.
https://nsuworks.nova.edu/hpd_pt_facarticles/59
