Banner
Abstract

Uncertainty and errors in medicine and physical therapy:
what we know and how to handle them

published in September - October 2024 - in Il Fisioterapista - issue n.5
Paolo Caneparo

Medicine is a discipline that, despite the great scientific and technological advancements of recent times, remains intrinsically linked with uncertainty and the risk of error. These elements are part of daily clinical practice and represent significant challenges not only for the doctors but also for all the healthcare professionals.
Physiotherapy, as a discipline situated at the crossroads of science and art, requires professionals not only to apply evidence-based knowledge but also to navigate a context often characterized by diagnostic and therapeutic uncertainty.
In this article, we will explore in detail the concepts of uncertainty and error in medicine, within a focus on physiotherapy and the fundamental role in the management of neuromusculoskeletal conditions. We will also delve into the importance of Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) as a tool to mitigate uncertainty and reduce the risk of errors in clinical practice in physiotherapy, particularly in direct access to services.