The College of Physiotherapists of Alberta is pleased to announce the release of the updated Protecting Patients from Sexual Abuse or Sexual Misconduct Guide for Alberta Physiotherapists.
This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the key topics and issues surrounding sexual abuse and sexual misconduct in physiotherapy practice. It reflects our collective learning since the introduction of new regulatory requirements in 2019 and provides practical information and recommendations to help you recognize and respond when concerns arise.
Why This Guide Matters
Sexual abuse and sexual misconduct are serious issues that undermine public trust and cause lasting harm to patients. Over the last 2 years the College has devoted significant resources to this topic due to the number of complaints and concerns we have received that relate to allegations of sexual abuse and sexual misconduct. This guide draws available resources and information together in one document.
While blatant sexual abuse and sexual misconduct does sadly occur in physiotherapy practice, many patient complaints stem from other behaviors—such as unguarded comments and unexplained actions—that erode patient trust and cause harm.
The updated guide helps physiotherapists recognize risks in practice and adjust their practice to prevent harm.
It’s not just about compliance, it’s about fostering a culture of safety, respect, and accountability—and we need your help.
We need every physiotherapist to be part of the solution. Perhaps you work on your own and you ‘only’ need to consider your own practice and how you fit in this picture. Or perhaps you work as a manager or team leader, someone others look up to, someone who sets the tone within a practice setting, someone who has a role in guiding others.
See something, say something.
Whether it’s a colleague’s comment, a questionable action, or a pattern of behavior that raises concern—your voice and your leadership matters. We need your help to identify when conduct of a physiotherapist misses the mark, and to help them to understand how they can improve.
That’s Because Subtle Behaviors Can Lead to Serious Issues
Not all sexual abuse and sexual misconduct is blatant or overt. Many complaints and concerns arise from:
- Inappropriate or unguarded comments: Casual remarks or jokes that cross a line.
- Unexplained actions: Touching without clear consent, asking patients to change clothing without explanation, or failing to document consent discussions.
Sometimes the behaviours that give rise to complaints or concerns reflect ‘typical’ physiotherapy practice—such as adjusting a patient’s clothing to visualize the area being treated. These behaviors may seem ‘minor’ to the physiotherapist and may still cause harm if they are not understood by the patient. The guide helps you recognize these risks and respond appropriately.
To address this challenge, the College has also created a video for patients, potential patients, and the public, explaining what they can expect when seeing a physiotherapist. Help us to inform the public about what a physiotherapy appointment typically involves, by sharing the video with your patients and potential patients!
The updated guide includes:
- Expanded discussion of Trauma and Trauma Informed Practice
The therapeutic relationship is affected by the personal histories that both parties bring to the interaction. Trauma-informed practice helps the physiotherapist to apply universal precautions to avoid re-traumatizing patients who have experienced past trauma.
- Review of consent basics
Consent is not a checkbox—it’s an ongoing conversation. The guide reviews the basic principles underlying consent and emphasizes the importance of ongoing consent, providing tips to make sure that consent is in place throughout an assessment or treatment session. - Refresher on foundations of therapeutic relationships and patient boundaries
Understanding when someone is considered a patient—and what that means for your interactions with them—is critical. The guide includes a discussion of respect, trust, and sensitivity; the physiotherapist’s duty of care; professional boundaries; and power. - Communication strategies
From sensitive practice to avoiding inappropriate humor, the guide highlights the importance of clear communication, and the challenges posed by informal communication that is unrelated to the physiotherapy services provided. - Links to additional resources
The guide is part of a suite of materials including eLearning modules, podcasts, and articles to support your ongoing professional development.
How to Access the Guide
Click here to access the Protecting Patients from Sexual Assault and Sexual Misconduct Guide.
We encourage you to read the guide, reflect on your practice, and share it with colleagues.
If you have questions, please reach out to the Practice Advisor, there’s no room for uncertainty when it comes to what behaviour is acceptable and what is not.
Final Thoughts
The updated Protecting Patients from Sexual Abuse or Sexual Misconduct Guide is more than a compliance tool—it’s a reflection of our shared commitment to safe, respectful, and ethical physiotherapy practice. It acknowledges the complexity of human interactions and provides the clarity and support you need to navigate them with confidence.
We know that physiotherapists strive to do the right thing. This guide helps ensure that good intentions are matched by informed actions.
Let’s work together to protect patients, uphold public trust, and foster a culture of accountability and care.
