Are NHS-employed musculoskeletal physiotherapists in England mis-diagnosing Cauda Equina syndrome?

Abstract

Purpose: This study builds on a retrospective study presented at Physiotherapy UK conference in 2017. This study had assessed and quantified claims of alleged mis-diagnosis of Cauda Equina Syndrome (CES) by self employed physiotherapists in the UK, notified to the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy's professional liability insurance brokers. Claims of negligence against NHS employed physiotherapists in England are covered by NHS Resolution (formerly known as the NHS Litigation Authority - NHSLA). This is an arms length body of Westminster Government that manages negligence and other claims in England's health provider organisations.This retrospective study sought to quantify prevalence of mis-diagnosis claims against NHS-employed musculoskeletal physiotherapists in England, to compare with the findings from the previous study.