Physical therapy students’ experiences of inappropriate patient sexual behavior: a narrative review

Abstract

Primary objective: The purpose of this study is to identify the extent to which inappropriate patient sexual behavior (IPSB) is directed toward student physical therapists (PTs) and how this phenomenon is described in the current literature.

Review type: Narrative review.

Summary of review method: A search of PubMed, CINAHL Plus, and Academic Search Complete was conducted using the Boolean phrase (‘sexual harassment’ OR ‘sexual assault’ OR ‘inappropriate sexual behavior’ OR ‘sexual behavior’) AND (‘physical therapy’ OR physiotherapy OR ‘physical therapist’ OR physiotherapist). After relevant articles were identified, references were searched for additional relevant material. Data and common themes were identified, extracted, and summarized.

Primary results: Studies indicate that 84% to 92.9% of PTs have IPSBs directed at them during their careers. There is less information on the rate at which student PTs are targets of IPSB, but the available studies indicate 66.2% to 78% of them experience IPSB during their clinical experiences. In one study, over 22% of PT students experienced severe forms of IPSB during clinical experiences. Other studies show that student PTs and novice PTs respond to IPSB with techniques that are less effective than those used by experienced PTs. Qualitative reports indicate that student PTs feel that they and their clinical instructors are unprepared for IPSB and believe more training on the topic is necessary.

Conclusion: The available literature indicates that most PT students have IPSB directed at them during their clinical experiences. Students report feeling unprepared and desire more training on this topic. Additional training may reduce IPSB.