Cultura

Rehabilitation-Related Errors and Their Impact on Patient Safety: A Narrative Review

VOLUME 23, 2026

The Role of Targeted Infra-popliteal Endovascular Angioplasty to Treat Diabetic Foot Ulcers Using the Angiosome Model: A Systematic Review

VOLUME 6, 2023

Haya Abdulmohsin M Al Dossary, Swelem Saad M ALShammary

Abstract

Background: Rehabilitation plays a vital role in improving functional recovery and quality of life. However, rehabilitation-related errors may delay recovery, increase healthcare costs, and compromise patient safety.

Objective: To review rehabilitation-related errors, examine their impact on patient safety, and summarize evidence-based strategies for preventing adverse events in rehabilitation settings.

Methods: A narrative review was conducted using major electronic databases and relevant clinical guidelines, systematic reviews, observational studies, and reports from international organizations.

Results: Rehabilitation-related errors were classified into assessment, treatment, falls, equipment, communication, human factor, and organizational errors. These events may result in physical injury, delayed recovery, reduced functional independence, and increased healthcare utilization. Comprehensive assessment, standardized safety protocols, multidisciplinary communication, staff education, and appropriate equipment management were consistently identified as key strategies for improving patient safety.

Conclusion: Rehabilitation-related errors remain an under-recognized patient safety concern. Implementing evidence-based safety practices and promoting multidisciplinary collaboration may reduce preventable adverse events and improve rehabilitation outcomes.

Keywords : Rehabilitation; Patient Safety; Rehabilitation Errors; Adverse Events; Physical Therapy; Falls Prevention; Human Factors..
Erin Saricilar
Lecture in accounting. University of Basrah, College of Administration and Economics, Department of Accounting.

Abstract

Atherosclerotic disease significantly impacts patients with type 2 diabetes, who often present with recalcitrant peripheral ulcers. The angiosome model of the foot presents an opportunity to perform direct angiosome-targeted endovascular interventions to maximise both wound healing and limb salvage. A systematic review was performed, with 17 studies included in the final review. Below-the-knee endovascular interventions present significant technical challenges, with technical success depending on the length of lesion being treated and the number of angiosomes that require treatment. Wound healing was significantly improved with direct angiosome-targeted angioplasty, as was limb salvage, with a significant increase in survival without major amputation. Indirect angioplasty, where the intervention is applied to collateral vessels to the angiosomes, yielded similar results to direct angiosome-targeted angioplasty. Applying the angiosome model of the foot in direct angiosome-targeted angioplasty improves outcomes for patients with recalcitrant diabetic foot ulcers in terms of primary wound healing, mean time for complete wound healing and major amputation-free survival.
Keywords : Diabetic foot ulcer, angiosome, angioplasty