Inappropriate Patient Sexual Behavior in Physiotherapy: A Systematic Review

Safiya Amanulla, Irin Saju, Sílvia Solé, Carme Campoy, Laura Martínez, María Cruz Pérez-Yus, Mercè Sitjà-Rabert, Mayte Serrat, Cristina Bravo and Kristin Lo
Additional contact information
Safiya Amanulla: Nepean Special School, Therapy Department, Seaford 3198, Australia
Irin Saju: Back in Motion, Carrum Downs 3201, Australia
Sílvia Solé: Department of Nursing and Physiotherapy, University of Lleida, 25198 Lleida, Spain
Carme Campoy: Department of Nursing and Physiotherapy, University of Lleida, 25198 Lleida, Spain
Laura Martínez: Department of Nursing and Physiotherapy, University of Lleida, 25198 Lleida, Spain
María Cruz Pérez-Yus: Department of Psychology and Sociology, University of Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
Mercè Sitjà-Rabert: School of Health Science (FCS) Blanquerna, Ramon Llull University, 08022 Barcelona, Spain
Mayte Serrat: Unitat d’Expertesa en Síndromes de Sensibilització Central, Servei de Reumatologia, Vall d’Hebron Hospital Universitari, Vall d’Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, 08025 Barcelona, Spain
Cristina Bravo: Department of Nursing and Physiotherapy, University of Lleida, 25198 Lleida, Spain
Kristin Lo: Department of Physiotherapy, Monash University, Melbourne 3199, Australia

Sustainability, 2021, vol. 13, issue 24, 1-20

Abstract: A behavior which is increasing in prevalence is sexual harassment initiated by a client and displayed towards the healthcare professionals and students of these healthcare-related professions. This is termed inappropriate patient sexual behaviour (IPSB). The consequences of IPSB can be significant, including decreased academic and work performance, decreased attention/concentration, reductions in work satisfaction, and a loss of confidence. The primary aim is to evaluate the literature on sexual harassment in physiotherapy. The secondary aim is to report on the incidence, situational factors, and suggested strategies. The databases Pubmed, Ovid MEDLINE, CINAHL Plus, Embase via OVID, ProQuest, and EBM Reviews were searched from inception up to 5 November 2021. Data on the incidence, situations, and strategies were extracted by at least two independent researchers. The quality of included articles was assessed. Nine studies of cohort and cross-sectional design were included. The incidence of IPSB was reported to be between 48–100% of the samples of physiotherapy students and/or therapists. The situational factors are reported, and the recommended educational strategies are discussed. Articles suggest that educating physiotherapists and/or students about sexual harassment would be beneficial. This will help predict potential issues and highlight strategies to empower therapists in the workplace and in training.

Keywords: sexual harassment; physiotherapy; physical therapy; physiotherapist; physical therapist; student (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:24:p:13876-:d:703288

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