- Version
- Download 20
- File Size 384.62 KB
- File Count 1
Medico Legal Importance of Electronic Documentation in Physiotherapy Practice: A Systematic Narrative Review
1Dr. Siva Bali Reddy Katasani
MHA Student, Dept. of Hospital Administration, Andhra University, Vishakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India.
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0009-8282-8250
Email: ksbreddy2522@gmail.com
2Dr. S Purna Chandra Shekhar
Principal, Dept. of Physiotherapy, SASSB College of Physiotherapy, RGUHS, Karnataka, India.
Email: purnaptphd@gmail.com
3Damaraju Pradeep Kumar
Associate Professor, Dept. of LAW, KKC College of Law, Puttur, India.
Email: damaraju.pradeep@gmail.com
4Chevula Vikram Kumar
MHA Student, Dept. of Hospital Administration, Andhra University, Vishakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India.
Email: chvikramkumar1998@gmail.com
5Dr. Amaresh Mohan
Associate Professor, Dept. of Physiotherapy, Health City Hospital & Institute of Paramedical Sciences, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Email: dramareshmohan@gmail.com
Corresponding Author:-
Dr. Siva Bali Reddy Katasani
MHA Student, Dept. of Hospital Administration,
Andhra University, Vishakhapatnam,
Andhra Pradesh, India
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0009-8282-8250
Email: ksbreddy2522@gmail.com
Abstract
Background: Clinical documentation is a fundamental component of healthcare practice and a critical determinant of medico-legal defensibility. In physiotherapy, documentation reflects clinical reasoning, professional accountability, ethical compliance, and adherence to standards of care. The global transition from paper-based records to electronic documentation systems has significantly altered how clinical information is recorded, stored, and evaluated in legal and regulatory contexts.
Objective: This systematic narrative review aimed to synthesize international evidence on the medico-legal importance of electronic documentation in physiotherapy practice, with particular emphasis on legal accountability, informed consent, patient safety, data protection, and professional protection.
Methods: A systematic narrative review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA-ScR principles. Peer-reviewed studies, reviews, professional guidelines, and policy documents addressing electronic documentation and medico-legal issues relevant to physiotherapy and allied health practice were identified through electronic database searches and manual reference screening. Due to heterogeneity in study designs, settings, and outcomes, findings were synthesized narratively.
Results: The reviewed literature consistently identified electronic documentation as a critical medico-legal safeguard in physiotherapy practice. Key themes included the role of electronic records as legally admissible evidence, enhancement of professional accountability, documentation of informed consent, protection of patient confidentiality, risk management, and improved continuity of care. Time-stamped entries, audit trails, and standardized documentation frameworks strengthened legal defensibility. However, challenges such as inadequate training, over-reliance on templates, copy-and-paste practices, and cybersecurity risks were also reported.
Conclusion: Electronic documentation plays a pivotal role in reducing medico-legal risk and supporting ethical, high-quality physiotherapy care. Effective implementation requires clinician education, robust governance frameworks, and adherence to best-practice documentation standards.
Keywords: Electronic health records, physiotherapy, medico-legal issues, clinical documentation, professional accountability
