The Case

The College received a complaint from an individual on behalf of her father, who was attending physiotherapy. The complainant was concerned that her father had not been properly informed that a physiotherapy student would be involved in his care, and further commented on the overall cleanliness of the clinic. 

The complainant said that when she visited the clinic with her father, they were introduced to someone who identified themselves as a student in the process of becoming a registered physiotherapist. The student then assessed her father and treated him on two separate occasions. 

When the complainant called the clinic after the second appointment, she was informed that the student was working under the supervision of a physiotherapist.

The complainant was confused as she and her father had not been introduced to a physiotherapist during either visit and nobody asked her father if he was ok being treated by a student. 

The PT confirmed that she was supervising a physiotherapy student at the time and noted that she was available during the appointments to take over treatment if needed, although she was not in the room for either session. 

Regarding the overall cleanliness of the clinic, the complainant was concerned that the room seemed dishevelled during her father’s appointments, almost like the equipment and linens had already been used. 

The physiotherapist confirmed that all equipment was expected to be properly cleaned and linens changed after every appointment in accordance with the clinic’s infection control policies. However, without being present during the appointments she was unable to ensure that the policies were followed, and the student admitted to occasionally forgetting to clean the room between appointments. 

The Standards 

It’s not uncommon for physiotherapists to offer placements to students as part of their education, however there are important rules that need to be followed, as laid out in the Supervision Standard. The physiotherapist doesn’t necessarily need to be present for assessment and treatment, however they are ultimately responsible and accountable for ensuring that the standards of practice are upheld when individuals under their supervision are providing patient care.

Physiotherapists are required to get valid, informed consent from patients before incorporating students or physiotherapist assistants in the treatment plan. It’s imperative that a patient understands the unique roles of the PT and the student and that they have an opportunity to discuss concerns and ask questions.

Infection prevention and control is an essential part of clinical practice management and physiotherapists have a responsibility to make sure that appropriate practices are in place. While supervising a student, it’s the physiotherapist’s responsibility to ensure that these protocols are followed. 

The Outcome

The physiotherapist was required to participate in a Specified Continuing Education and Remediation Program (SCERP) which included a comprehensive review of College standards, a meeting with a Senior Physiotherapist Advisor to discuss the supervision of physiotherapy students, and they were required to write a reflective paper. 

All costs associated with the SCERP were paid by the physiotherapist and this information will appear on the Public Register for three years. 

Supervision Standard
Working with Physiotherapist Assistants Standard
All About Consent
Infection Control and Equipment Maintenance Standard