An audit of patient records into the nature of pulsed shortwave therapy use

Abstract

This evaluative audit aimed to investigate the nature of pulsed shortwave therapy (PSWT) use in outpatients clinics in England through the analysis of patient records. Eight randomly selected hospitals were chosen to reflect variations in practice across the country. Information concerning the total number of patients seen in these departments, the proportion of patients treated with PSWT, the mode of treatment (duration of exposure, PSWT parameters, treatment frequency and outcome) and the conditions treated were collected and analysed. A total of 1750 sets of physiotherapy patient notes were evaluated of which, 192 patients were treated with PSWT, averaging 11% of all treatments. The treatment records were found to be of generally poor quality. None of the files examined fulfilled the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy standards of documentation. Eighty eight percent of the files did not have reproducible treatment plans in terms of dose parameters. The issues raised by this evaluative audit are considered in the context of therapy treatment notes and in relation to PSWT.