Perspectives on Assessment of Physical Therapy Error in the New Millennium

This article discusses the issues surrounding the analysis and reduction of errors in physical therapy. It reviews key literature regarding incidence and prevalence of medical errors and discusses the nature of errors in physical therapy from a variety of perspectives. It comments on the role of education in preparing physical therapist students to look at error and prevention of error in a new light. A comparison between aviation and health care in terms of assessment and improved safety is provided as well as multiple strategies for leveraging consumers, professionals, and educators to reduce errors in physical therapy.